PETALING JAYA: Former shuttler Tan Boon Heong believes that men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's knack of rising to the big occasions gives them a strong chance of capturing their second gold in the World Championships.
Aaron-Wooi Yik are hoping to add to their historic 2022 title in the world meet this time from Aug 25-31 in Paris.
The world No. 2 pair have proved countless times that they can be counted on to deliver in major tournaments, notably winning bronze medals in the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and 2023 world meet in Copenhagen.
Boon Heong has backed Aaron-Wooi Yik, who have been in fine form this year, to go far in Paris again.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik are more confident in major events. Their achievements speak for themselves," said Boon Heong.
"They have won two medals in the Olympics and they have showed that they can handle the pressure.
"They definitely have a chance to win their second world title, especially with the competition looking open this time."
Boon Heong himself has an impressive record in the big tournaments with Koo Kien Keat.
The 37-year-old and Kien Keat won a bronze and silver in the world meet in the 2009 and 2010 editions respectively and captured gold in the 2006 Asian Games.
For Aaron-Wooi Yik, they are aiming to reach their sixth final this year after claiming the Asian Championships, Singapore Open and Thailand Open and finishing runners-up in the China Open and Malaysian Masters.
The duo need to navigate a difficult draw with a possible last eight clash against either China’s Paris Olympics silver medallists Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang or India’s 2022 Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty awaiting.
Boon Heong believes that both their potential opponents are not as formidable as they were before though and can be beaten.
Weikeng-Wang Chang and Satwiksairaj-Chirag have not won any titles so far this year.
"The Chinese and Indian pairs are not as strong as they were in the past few years, so Aaron-Wooi Yik have a chance to beat either pair," said Boon Heong.
"For me, the draw is not important. Whoever they face, they need to stay focused."
Meanwhile, Malaysia will also be banking on world No. 3 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Macau Open champions Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi (No. 22) in the men’s doubles in Paris.
