Serious contenders: Malaysia have to be wary of Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen at the World Championships.
PETALING JAYA: South Korea’s top pair Seo Seung-jae-Kim Won-ho may be the frontrunners for the men’s doubles crown at the World Championships, but they are far from the only danger looming in Paris.
Malaysia’s Indonesian coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, has sounded the alarm on a host of rivals who could derail the nation’s medal hopes when the tournament begins on Monday.
Apart from the world No. 1 duo, Herry has identified China’s Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang and Chen Boyang-Liu Yi, Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, as well as his former Indonesian charges – Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto, Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza, and Leo Rolly-Daniel Marthin – as serious contenders.
Herry, who masterminded many of Indonesia’s past men’s doubles triumphs, is now intent on guiding Malaysia’s world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, or rising pair Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi (ranked No. 22) to glory.
“It will be a tough battle,” admitted Herry.
“But our players are prepared, and if they play to their strengths, we can challenge for the title.
“I’m hoping to guide one of the pairs under me to the title. As the second seeds, Aaron-Wooi Yik have the best chance for the gold.
“It won’t be easy, though, as any of the top four seeded pairs can win.
“We also need to pay attention to those from China, Denmark and Indonesia.
“I know the Indonesian pairs quite well from my time coaching them. I still remember more or less their playing style.
“For Korea, Seung-jae won the title both in men’s and mixed doubles in 2023 and is one of the most experienced players in the competition.
“In terms of experience, Aaron-Wooi Yik and the Koreans are on equal footing. I believe both the pairs are quite evenly matched,” added Herry.
Aaron-Wooi Yik could face Seung-jae-Won-ho in a mouthwatering clash in the final if both pairs justify their respective seedings.
Based on the draw, the 2022 champions Aaron-Wooi Yik have a tough path to the final.
Aaron-Wooi Yik might need to overcome Roy King-Arif (third round), China’s Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang or India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty (quarter-finals) and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (last four) first.
The world No. 3 Sze Fei-Izzuddin will also not have it easy if they hope to set-up an all-Malaysian semi-final against Aaron-Wooi Yik as they might first need to overcome world No. 8 Sabar-Moh or Boyang-Liu Yi (No. 11) in the last eight.
In the last edition in 2023 in Copenhagen, Malaysia’s best performers were Aaron-Wooi Yik, who won bronze.
