PETALING JAYA: The return of Man Wei Chong has lifted Malaysia’s men’s doubles spirits as they gear up to make this year’s All-England a memorable one.
The 26-year-old and partner Tee Kai Wun pulled out of the German Open due to Wei Chong’s knee injury, but the shuttler departed for Birmingham yesterday with renewed purpose after making a timely recovery.
The short break proved crucial, allowing Wei Chong the rest he needed ahead of the prestigious tournament, which begins on Tuesday.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the decision to skip the German Open was purely precautionary.
“Skipping the German Open gave Wei Chong time to fully recover. He is ready for the All-England,” said Rexy.
World No. 6 Wei Chong-Kai Wun will open their campaign against Taiwan’s Lee Fang-chih-Lee Fang-jen, a pair they have beaten twice – at last year’s Indonesia Masters and the 2024 Swiss Open – for a 2-0 head-to-head edge.
With their return, Malaysia will have seven pairs mounting a strong challenge under coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.
The others are second seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Izzuddin Rumsani, Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Chong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri.
Former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik are all pumped up to deliver the goods after losing in the German Open first round.
None went beyond the quarters in Mulheim, but trust them to bounce back strongly at the All-England.
Malaysia last won the men’s doubles title through Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the 2007 edition.
The wait had been too long, and this year, Malaysia have the quantity and quality to bring back the title.
Meanwhile, Rexy yesterday, also confirmed the return of Cheng Su Yin, who had been nursing a right calf injury.
Su Yin and her partner Hoo Pang Ron face a stern test against world No. 20 pair Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto of India.
The last time they met, at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, the Indian pair came out on top.
The other mixed pair in the fray are reigning world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Jimmy Wong-Lai Pei Jing, Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien.
