PETALING JAYA: Hard times shape champions and men’s doubles shuttlers Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi are beginning to show just that.
After a slow start, Roy King-Arif showed that they have finally adapted well under coach Herry Iman Pierngadi’s guidance.
World No. 24 Roy King-Arif, who combined in 2023, ended their wait for a World Tour title in the Super 300 Macau Open after brilliantly toppling Indonesia’s world No. 8 Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza 22-20, 21-18 at the Macau East Asian Games Dome on Sunday.
The pair made it count in their first final since finishing runners-up to Sabar-Moh in the Spain Masters last year.
The 24-year-old Roy King and Arif, 23, were pleased to finally get their reward together.
“We are satisfied with this win as we have waited so long for a title,” said Arif.
They had to bide their time this year after struggling for a breakthrough in their previous tournaments.
The duo’s best result before this was a semi-final finish in the Orleans Masters in March while their only title previously was in the 2023 Nantes International Challenge.
“Our last final was last year in March where we faced the same opponents and lost. So, avenging that defeat is very satisfying,” said Arif.
“Before this, I found it hard to adapt to Herry’s coaching and the tactics he wants us to implement.
“He has only been guiding us in about five tournaments so far.
“Now, we are starting to get used to his coaching in training as well. We hope to keep improving after this.”
Herry only took over from Tan Bin Shen as the men’s doubles head coach in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in February.
“This is a very meaningful victory for me and Arif. Both of us are very happy with our performance in the final,” said Roy King.
“I just keep telling myself to trust the process and be prepared when the opportunity comes.
“I think hard moments make us who we are now, so we just need to keep taking it step by step.”
Roy King hopes to continue his good form with Arif in the World Championships from Aug 25-31 where the pair will be making their debut.
“Beating a top 10 pair and winning this title has given us a confidence boost before the world meet,” said Roy King.
“Hopefully, there will be more to come from us and we want to continue our form in Paris.”
