PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is staying true to his word.
He had vowed not to overwork his top players led by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and back it up by keeping them out of the Thailand Open from May 12-17 in Bangkok.
Herry said he wanted to be more selective with tournament entries and prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of injuries.
"I think it is important to choose tournaments in this situation. The Thailand Open is too close to the Thomas Cup and the players will become tired," said Herry.
The Finals is in Horsens, Denmark from April 24-May 3.
Besides defending champions Aaron-Wooi Yik, the others not taking part in the Thai Open are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing.
World No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, who reached the final of the Thailand Open last year, will also not be in action in the women's doubles.
"If Aaron-Wooi Yik do not compete in the Thailand Open, they will be fresher for the Malaysian Masters, and they can also focus on the Singapore Open and Indonesian Open," said Herry.
The Malaysian Masters is from May 19-24, followed by the Singapore Open (May 26-31) and the Indonesian Open (June 2-7).
In the absence of the top players, Herry has entered new combinations including Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean and Mohd Haikal Nazri-Bryan Jeremy Goonting.
The others in the fray are second seeds Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub, Goh V Shem-Choi Sol-gyu and Teo Ee Yi and his new partner Chia Weijie.
