PETALING JAYA: The job is far from over for men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, even after securing their maiden qualification for the year-end World Tour Finals in Hangzhou next month.
Men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi expressed relief and delight at the development, despite an initial scare when Wei Chong-Kai Wun were knocked out early at last week’s Japan Masters.
“This is a positive step for Wei Chong-Kai Wun. It will be their first time competing at the Finals, so it is a significant progress, and we hope they can maintain more consistent performances in the future,” said Herry.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun have confirmed their tickets with Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, along with six other top pairs, at the prestigious event, after being given a run for their money by rivals Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who reached the semi-finals at the Japan Masters before losing to homesters Hiroki Midorikawa-Kyohei Yamashita.
Last month, concerns had arisen over Kai Wun’s condition after he was seen receiving treatment on his left foot following his semi-final loss at the Hylo Open in Germany.
Herry has confirmed that the duo are in good form ahead of the Australian Open in Sydney, starting tomorrow.
Kai Wun-Wei Chong will open their campaign against Taiwan’s Chiang Chien-wei and Wu Hsuan-yi in the first round.
It will be a repeat of the 2023 edition, when Wei Chong and Kai Wun suffered a surprise first-round loss to the same Taiwanese pair.
