PETALING JAYA: Doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi’s next main goal for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik is to help them become world champions again.
To achieve that, Herry plans to teach them the art of staying calm in tense moments that could determine the outcome of a close duel.
He pointed to their composure in the All-England final, where they went down fighting 21-18, 12-21, 19-21 to defending champions Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae of South Korea in Birmingham on Sunday.
It was their third All-England final appearance after finishing runners-up in the 2019 and 2024 editions.
There were anxious moments in the deciding game as both pairs stood with an equal chance of winning, but the Koreans capitalised on a mistake by Wooi Yik at 16-15 to turn the match in their favour.
“The Koreans were calmer towards the end and that was the key to them winning this time,” said Herry.
“I was seated at the back but I could imagine the intense pressure at that moment. It was tense but as a coach, I stayed calm because I’m used to controlling my nerves during close matches like this.
“Aaron-Wooi Yik played well and unfortunately luck was also not on their side to win the All-England title.
“I was not able to help them get the All-England title but I want them to win the world title next.”
Prior to the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23, the 2022 world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik will defend their title at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12.
They will also play the role of Malaysia’s first doubles pair in the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
