Is the Malaysian Open starting too early? Aaron thinks so

National men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik . — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: World No. 2 men’s doubles player Aaron Chia hopes that the Malaysian Open’s schedule can be revised in the future so that it is no longer held as the opening tournament of the calendar.

Aaron said it can be exhausting for players, as just two weeks ago he and his partner, Soh Wooi Yik along with other top shuttlers, competed in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, which capped the 2025 season.

Now, they are expected to kick off the new season immediately with a major Super 1000 event at the Malaysian Open, usually held in early January.

He proposed that the tournament be moved to mid or late January in the future to give elite players more time to rest and recover.

This is especially important because top 15 singles and top 10 doubles players are required to participate in all Super 1000 and Super 750 tournaments each year.

Players who skip these events without approved medical reasons or exemptions can face fines or other sanctions, in addition to normal withdrawal penalties.

"Actually, I feel that the Malaysian Open is a bit early because the World Tour has just ended, and it has only been two weeks," said Aaron.

 

"I just hope that the timing of the meet can be changed, maybe to the end of January or the first week of February.

 

"If possible, don't start the new season with a Super 1000 tournament, especially when some players have just competed in the World Tour Finals.

 

"It’s really tough. Over the course of a year, you play 18 to 20 tournaments, then only get a week or two to rest before starting again.

 

"It’s extremely tight, and you can’t skip Super 1000 events. For top players, there simply isn’t enough time to rest or train properly.

 

"Maybe for the first tournament of the new season, it would be better to schedule a Super 100 or Super 300 event instead, so top players have time to recover and prepare," said Aaron.

The Malaysian Open has been the opening tournament of the BWF calendar since 2023, when it was upgraded to a Super 1000 event. Previously, it was usually held around June or July.

Aaron-Wooi Yik will begin their Malaysian Open campaign on Tuesday against the United States pair Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith, in a repeat of last year’s edition that went in favour of the Malaysian duo.

However, Aaron admitted it will not be an easy task, as the No. 32-ranked pair is a tough opponent to overcome.

"The last time we faced them, the match went to a deciding set.

 

"I think we need to stay focused, especially since we’re playing at home. As for the draw, I’d say it’s neither too easy nor too difficult," he said.