A struggle: Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in action against South Korea’s Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae in the Malaysian Open quarter-finals. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has urged the rest of the national men’s doubles squad to step up and challenge for titles instead of relying too heavily on top pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
Herry issued the call ahead of the Indian Open starting today, with four of his charges set to compete in New Delhi.
Joining reigning Malaysian Open runners-up Aaron-Wooi Yik are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King.
Aaron-Wooi Yik once again shouldered Malaysia’s title hopes on home ground by ending an eight-year wait since Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei last reached the men’s singles final in 2018.
The world No. 2 pair, however, lost to South Korea’s Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae 15-21, 21-12, 18-21 in the title-match.
“We cannot keep relying only on Aaron and Wooi Yik,” said Herry.
“As a coach, I also want Wei Chong-Kai Wun, Arif-Roy King, or Hon Jian-Haikal to be able to reach the semi-finals or even the final.
“The focus should not always be on Aaron-Wooi Yik alone. All the players must support one another so that the responsibility does not fall on just one pair,” he added.
Malaysia will also be represented by four independent men’s doubles pairs at the tournament – Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin, Chia Weijie-Lwi Sheng Hao, Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, as well as Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin.
Also in action will be former Olympic silver medallist Goh V Shem and his Korean partner Choi Sol-gyul.
Commenting on Aaron and Wooi Yik’s performance in the final, Herry felt that luck simply was not on his charges’ side this time.
“For me, the final was an ideal match-up because it was a contest between the world No. 2 and the world No. 1 pairs,” said Herry.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik had already given their maximum performance.
The 63-year-old coach added that the pair’s showing was among their best under his guidance, following their triumphs at the Asian Championships and Malaysia Masters last year.
“I feel they need to be calmer and more patient against the Koreans.
“In my view, to score points against that pair, you have to play decisively and take the initiative.
“You cannot always rely on the opponents making mistakes,” added Herry.
