PETALING JAYA: It is a tough blow, but Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King may have missed their chance to be named as Malaysia’s third men’s doubles pair for the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens following their first-round exit at the Asian Championships in Ningbo on Wednesday.
Men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi hinted at this after admitting his disappointment with Arif-Roy King, who were expected to get the better of Taiwan siblings Lee Fang-chih-Lee Fang-jen.
Herry said too many mistakes at crucial points cost the pair dearly, as they let slip a match that was within their grasp.
They went down 17-21, 21-17, 20-22 in the opening round.
As a result, Herry indicated that the third doubles spot could go to another pair who are better prepared.
“Especially at the crucial points. At 18, 19, there were still too many mistakes. That’s one. Secondly, I think they lacked composure. They should have won. In the third set, they were leading 19-17 and reached 20. That’s something they need to remember,” said Herry.
“Usually before a tournament, we review videos and have discussions. The key thing is at crucial points, you cannot make mistakes.
“If you make mistakes, it’s over. That’s what happened and they are still not consistent. That’s all.
“We could consider them (for the Thomas Cup), but there are other pairs who may be more ready.
“So for now, we have not selected them.”
However, Herry declined to reveal the pair who will join Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who have already secured their spots.
Former world No. 1 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are among the leading contenders for the final spot.
However, they also suffered a first-round exit at the Asian Championships, losing to Thailand’s Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Worrapol Thongsa-nga.
“The final decision will come from the management.
“A meeting will be held, and coach Rexy Mainaky, who is at the Asian Championships, will assess the players before informing me,” he added.
