A class : Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are the reigning mixed doubles world champions. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky is largely pleased with the performance of the doubles pairs under him this year but wants more consistency from his charges in the biggest tournaments in 2026.
Overall, the country’s top pairs Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik enjoyed their best year in their careers.
World No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei captured the world title and Australian Open while Pearly-Thinaah won silver in the world meet and triumphed in four tournaments including the SEA Games in Thailand.
The world No. 2 pair also finished runners-up in the Japan Open, Indonesian Open and Indonesian Masters.
World No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik claimed the Asian Championships, Singapore Open and Thailand Open.
The duo also finished runners-up in the China Open, Malaysian Masters, Arctic Open and SEA Games.
While Rexy is happy with their achievements, he has called on the pairs to raise their levels further next year especially in the major events.
“Overall, I’m happy with the doubles pairs’ achievements this year,” said Rexy.
“But I will be happier if they can be more consistent in big and important tournaments.”
Rexy will be looking for more from his charges in the Malaysian Open next month, All-England in March, and World Tour Finals in December.
On a hot trail: Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing won the Syed Modi International, Malaysia Super 100 and Guwahati Masters titles.
Despite a fruitful year, Malaysia did not have any representatives in the finals of all three tournaments.
With the Asian Games and World Championships also coming up next year, Rexy will be keen for the likes of Tang Jie-Ee Wei, Pearly-Thinaah and the rest to continue their fine form.
Meanwhile, Rexy also had more reasons to smile after seeing back-up men’s doubles pairs Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing win their maiden World Tour titles this year.
World No. 17 Roy King-Arif captured the Macau Open while 2024 world junior champions Aaron-Khai Xing won the Syed Modi India International.
World No. 36 Aaron-Khai Xing also enjoyed success in the Malaysia Super 100 and Guwahati Masters.
“It’s good to see the second layer group produce results and catch up with the elite,” said Rexy.
“This shows that we don’t have to rely solely on the elite for tournament wins.”
Rexy is now enjoying a well-deserved break before he turning his attention to preparing his charges for the Malaysian tourney which will be held from Jan 6-11 at Axiata Arena.
