A tourney to check out: (from left) Soh Wooi Yik, Aaron Chia, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam, BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh, Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are fired up by the increased prize money offered at the Malaysian Masters from May 20-25 at Axiata Arena.
The tournament has seen a notable increase in its prize pool from US$420,000 to US $475,000 this year, adding extra motivation for the home favourites.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will get to cash in US$37,525 if they become champions.
Aaron expressed his excitement over the prize boost and said it would drive him to perform better.
“For sure, we are even more motivated with the increase in prize money and we hope to get our hands on the cash,” said Aaron during a press conference at the Academy Badminton Malaysia yesterday.
“Our goal is to get into the final,” he added.
His partner, Wooi Yik, also called on fans to rally behind the national pair as they set their sights on a strong showing at home.
“To our fans, do come to support us,” said Wooi Yik.
“I hope they will enjoy our game, and the excitement of being part of this home event,” he said.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have yet to clinch the Malaysian Masters title, with their best result being semi-final finishes in the 2019 and 2022 editions.
The duo remained strong contenders in the tournament and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam hoped they would show extra firepower to nick it this time.
They did well recently to win the Asian Championships title in Ningbo, China, ending a 18-year wait for the title.
“Every time there is an increase in prize money, players love it, and we hope this will encourage them to win, just like how Aaron-Wooi Yik did at the Asian meet,” he said.
The other players who will also be out to capitalise on the big prize money are top women pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and professionals Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men’s doubles) and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (mixed doubles).
Tickets for the tournaments will go on sale tomorrow from 11am onwards.
In the spirit of Aidilfitri, fans can also enjoy early bird prices throughout the entire ticketing period under the BAM Belanja Raya campaign.
