Aaron-Wooi Yik savour badminton's Wimbledon despite final loss


Kim Won-ho (first from right) and Seo Seung-jae of South Korea, pose on the podium after winning the doubles final match with runners-up Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik. - AP

PETALING JAYA: Another All-England final, another heartbreak but Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are refusing to dwell on the pain. 

The second seeds went all out in their bid to win their first All-England title in their third attempt but fell short after losing 21-18, 12-21, 19-21 in 63 minutes to world No. 1 pair Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae of South Korea in Birmingham on Sunday (March 8).

Aaron admitted that the defeat was painful but said they would continue to stay positive.

"Of course, losing again is painful but we have learnt a lot. We missed out on winning our first Super 1000 title but it's not our time yet," said Aaron.

"There are still plenty of opportunities for us.

"Wooi Yik and I still did well. We reached the final and lost to the best pair out there. There's more for us to learn."

Wooi Yik is still trying to come to terms with a mistake in the deciding game that may have turned the match around.

With the score at 16-15, he had a clear chance to smash the shuttle but it went wide. The Koreans then caught up and kept their cool to go on and claim their second All-England title.

"I think they had the advantage after we changed courts in the deciding game. We were aware of the situation but could not control it," said Wooi Yik.

"I made a simple mistake that cost us. Of course, it is quite disappointing but we will have to keep going.

"This time we were closer to achieving our goal. We can see that and we hope the experience here will help us get it right in the next big tournament."

Both Aaron and Wooi Yik, however, agreed that playing in the All-England would always be a priceless experience.

"Playing here is always like a dream come true. It's like our Wimbledon."

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