PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Tee Kai Wun has accepted the coaching team’s decision to pair him with Aaron Chia with an open mind.
But he will not get to play with Aaron immediately.
Aaron-Kai Wun did not make the cut for the Japan Open from July 14-19 due to their ranking points.
They are currently No. 13 on the reserve list.
In contrast, Aaron’s former partner Soh Wooi Yik and his new partner Man Wei Chong have qualified for the tournament.
To enable Aaron and Kai Wun to compete in the China Open, BAM are set to go for another reshuffle involving either Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King or Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are expected to officially announce the changes today.
Kai Wun said he was informed of the decision two weeks ago. While it was difficult to be separated from Wei Chong after years of playing together, he is ready to embrace the new challenge.
This will not be the first time Kai Wun has partnered Aaron. The duo won gold for Melaka at the 2018 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Perak.
More recently, they teamed up in Malaysia’s final group match against Japan at the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens last month.
“Of course it’s not easy because Wei Chong and I have been playing together for many years, so there is an emotional attachment there,” said Kai Wun.
“But if the coaches believe this is the best move for Malaysia and for the players, then I’m willing to give it a try.
‘’I think I’m an all-rounder kind of player, so no matter who I partner, I can adjust. The important thing is that we help each other and bring out the best in one another.
“For me, it’s a new challenge.’’
Before partnering Wei Chong, Kai Wun had stints with Ng Yong Chai and Chang Yee Jun.
However, it was alongside Wei Chong that his career took off, with the pair rising to a career-high world No. 4.
Kai Wun said he would wait for the coaches’ directives.
“There’s not much we can do except wait. We’re still on the reserve list for the Japan Open, so I think it’s going to be difficult for us to get in.
“Maybe the coaches have other plans, but we don’t know yet. We’ll just wait and see what they decide,” he added.
