PETALING JAYA: Taking on two events at a major tournament like the Asian Championships is no walk in the park. Even more so when one of it marks the return to competition for a partner after nearly six months on the sidelines.
But national shuttler Yap Roy King is ready to embrace the challenge in Ningbo, China, as he gears up to compete in both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles events.
Notably, Roy King will be the only Malaysian player featuring in two categories at the prestigious tournament, which begins on Tuesday.
While determined to give his best, the 23-year-old is keeping his expectations grounded, especially in the mixed doubles, where he will reunite with Valeree Siow. The pair have not trained together since Valeree suffered a left knee injury during the Arctic Open in Finland last October.
Since then, Roy King has shifted his focus to the men’s doubles, partnering Wan Arif Wan Junaidi in several tournaments.
That long gap has naturally left Roy King slightly concerned about Valeree’s condition when they return to the court together.
“I was quite surprised when my coach told me that I would be competing in two events at this tournament.
“We haven’t trained together (with Valeree) for about six months, so it’s difficult to gauge how we will perform.
“It’s definitely a challenge for me to juggle two events, especially in a major tournament like this where all our opponents are strong. I’m not setting high expectations for myself, especially since Valeree has only recently recovered from a serious injury.
“I also don’t want to put any added pressure on her. Our focus is simply to take part and give it our best,” said Roy King.
Last year, Roy King-Valeree had a less than ideal debut at the Asian Championships, falling to Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the opening round.
However, they will have a chance to improve on that result this year when they face India’s Rohan Kapoor-Gadde Ruthvika Shivani in the first round.
In the men’s doubles, Roy King-Wan Arif are set to take on Singapore’s Wesley Koh-Junsuke Kubo.
