PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have paired seasoned campaigner Aaron Chia with rising youngster Aaron Tai for the China Open from July 21-26.
This is a short-term move before Aaron gets to play with Tee Kai Wun for the tournaments in Europe later this year.
Aaron-Aaron will join Soh Wooi Yik-Man Wei Chong for the China Open (July 21-26), Taipei Open (July 28-Aug 2), and Korean Open (Nov 3-8).
Kai Wun will be playing together with Yap Roy King in these tournaments, while Wan Arif Wan Junaidi has been paired with Kang Khai Xing.
There will be no changes in the Japan Open from July 14-19 with Wooi Yik-Wei Chong taking the lead.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has cleared the air regarding the shake-up in the men’s doubles department and clarified that the decision was made with an eye set on winning the gold at the LA28 Olympic Games.
"We have to look ahead to 2028. That doesn’t mean Aaron and Wooi Yik no longer show promise, but instead we have to look at the number of young players we have," said Rexy.
Rexy said they had deciced to split their former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik after lengthy discussions with head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi and performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
"We have to mix and match players by pairing those with experience with youngsters."
The pairing of Aaron and Kai Wun, who were originally set to be paired together at the Japan Open did not take place as they did not have enough points to qualify.
That's why they will start their partnership during the Europe leg of the tour in October.
Rexy added that BAM want to break away from the habit of being overly dependent on top pairs and instead give younger players the chance to play in big tournaments.
He said the selection of new pairs were made not solely on the players’ individual skills, but their compatibility on court.
"We know we can’t expect too much from these scratch pairs, but what we want is experience for 2028.
"We know by having scratch pairs, it will also give a fresh outlook within the national camp for the Olympics in Los Angeles.
"It’s not just about aiming for medals, but about how we can get that breakthrough to get Olympics gold.
"Coach Herry is experienced; he knows how to pair players. Sometimes putting two good players does not mean they will be a good pair.
"It’s about what players need on court from their partners."
Rexy said they could do the same in the women’s doubles and mixed doubles if it proves beneficial.
"Why not? We should not be afraid to make changes. It’s not just an experiment but a call based on the coach's observations and the players’ ability to adapt in both training and competition.
"If this can help players’ development and increase the country’s chances in the future, then this approach can be used for all doubles departments," said Rexy.
