PETALING JAYA: Losing to former world No. 1 Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang for the 10th time was painful, but Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are taking it in their stride.
In the Thomas Cup Finals quarter-final yesterday, Aaron-Wooi Yik were tasked with delivering a crucial point in a must-win match but fell 22-24, 14-21 at the Forum Horsens.
Malaysia had already dropped the opening singles through Leong Jun Hao against Shi Yuqi, and after Aaron-Wooi Yik’s defeat, Justin Hoh was also unable to save the tie against Li Shifeng as the team went down 0-3 to defending champions China.
Captain Aaron said they were not under pressure.
“I don’t think so (we were under pressure), because we were the underdogs against China. We had nothing to lose and just did our best,” said Aaron.
“Of course, the shuttle was not easy to control, so we tried to play a more attacking game.”
Wooi Yik admitted they lacked consistency at key moments.
“But we were not consistent enough, especially at the crucial points where we made some errors.
“After the second game, they took full control and managed the match very well.”
World No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik have now won only three of their 13 meetings against the world No. 5 Chinese pair.
It was crucial for Malaysia to take at least one doubles point to stay alive in the tie.
With China sealing the tie after three matches, Goh Sze Fei-Tee Kai Wun and Lee Zii Jia did not get the chance to play.
