PETALING JAYA: Only time will tell whether the decision to split up two of Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pairs, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, will prove to be a masterstroke or a gamble in the build-up to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Former world No. 1 Tan Wee Kiong, who experienced a similar situation 12 years ago, believes all parties involved are fully aware of the risks, but stressed that the move was made with the country’s best interests at heart rather than on a whim.
Wooi Yik and Wei Chong are set to make their debut as a pair at the Japan Open from July 14-19, while Aaron will partner Kai Wun.
Wee Kiong feels it is too early to judge whether the reshuffle is the right move as its success will ultimately depend on the players themselves.
“I don’t think there is such a thing as a good or bad decision. They (the players and management) are experienced enough and mature enough to make these decisions.
“No matter what decision is made, whether by the players, coaches or management, everyone wants what is best,” said Wee Kiong.
Wee Kiong previously formed a successful partnership with Hoon Thien How, with the pair rising to world No. 7.
They later became Malaysia’s leading pair after Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong went their separate ways.
However, Wee Kiong and Thien How were split up after he showed promising chemistry with Goh V Shem during the 2014 Thomas Cup Finals in New Delhi. The pair were subsequently retained after the World Championships in Copenhagen.
At the World Championships, Wee Kiong reunited with Thien How while V Shem partnered Lim Khim Wah.
Looking back, Wee Kiong accepted the split as he respected the management’s decision after he and Thien How struggled to win major titles despite their consistency.
The gamble eventually paid off as he and V Shem qualified for the Rio Olympics and came within touching distance of the gold medal before losing to China’s Fu Haifeng-Zhang Nan in the final.
“At that time, I didn’t think too much about it.
‘‘Even though Thien How and I were ranked No. 7 in the world and were quite consistent, we couldn’t make a real breakthrough by winning titles.
“So I just went along with it. Looking back, it was definitely a gamble, but luck also played a part.
“Every player is different. In my case, V Shem and I already had plenty of experience and there were only minor issues to work on. I think that was one of the reasons why the coaches wanted to give our partnership a try.
“But everyone is different, so you can’t use my experience as a benchmark for others,” he added.
