PETALING JAYA: Can rising men’s doubles shuttlers Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King leapfrog their higher-ranked compatriots to book a spot in the Thomas Cup Finals next month?
They can – if they pull off an extraordinary performance at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12 and do better than world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
With selection for the Finals open until April 10, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky is keeping the door open on selection for the third pair for the Finals from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
The pairs confirmed for their Finals spots are Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun
The world No. 16 Arif-Roy King will be joining world No. 2 pair and defending champions Aaron-Wooi Yik, world No. 6 Wei Chong-Kai Wun and Sze Fei-Izzuddin in Ningbo.
The other pair with a slim chance is reigning world junior champions Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing, who did well to upset few top players in the recent All-England and Swiss Open tournaments.
Rexy said they would give all the hopefuls a last shot to impress at the Asian meet before naming the squad.
“If we look at our pairs for the Thomas Cup, the ones who have really established themselves are Aaron-Wooi Yik,” said Rexy.
“We have Wei Chong-Kai Wun and Sze Fei-Izzuddin and if we go based on their rankings, they should go.
“But we are keeping the door open for younger shuttlers like Arif-Roy King, who are ranked below them. Their performance at the Asian Championships could play a part in the Thomas Cup selection.
“We have to ensure we bring with us the three best pairs for the Thomas Cup.”
Professional duo Sze Fei-Izzuddin had been invited to train with BAM in an effort to strengthen the national squad, but inconsistent outings recently have opened the door for Arif-Roy King to be considered as a replacement for the Thomas Cup.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin had won the Indonesian Masters in January, but could not keep their winning ways going as they fell in the quarter-finals of the German Open and the second round of the All-England.
Rexy said the inconsistent result could pave the way for Arif-Roy King to make their debut at the Thomas Cup.
“It will be the best chance for them (Arif-Roy King). If they can make it far in Ningbo, that could increase their chances of being in the Thomas Cup squad.
“We want to bring the strongest possible pairs, so there is still a chance to prove something at the Asia Championships,” he said.
Malaysia are on a mission to end their 34-year title wait since winning the Cup in 1992, and are expected to field four men’s singles players and three men’s doubles pairs in Denmark.
