PETALING JAYA: National men's doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has dismissed claims of a rift between Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik following the decision to split the pair.
Herry explained that the reshuffle involving several men's doubles pairs in the national squad was aimed at finding stronger combinations, especially after Aaron-Wooi Yik endured a dip in form in recent months.
"For me, splits in doubles are normal. It happens in other countries too. There is no fight or disagreement. Aaron and Wooi Yik are fine," he said.
"It's just that the results this year have not been good enough," said Herry.
Despite their status as Malaysia's No. 1 men's doubles pair, Aaron-Wooi Yik have not won a title since lifting the Singapore Open crown in June last year. They came close to ending that drought but had to settle for runners-up finishes at the Malaysian Open in January and the All-England in March.
As such, Herry believes a change of partners could help both players rediscover their best form.
"After discussions with the management, we felt the results have not been good enough, so why not try something new? If the results continue like this, we have to be brave enough to make changes," he added.
"That is what we want to try over the next few tournaments and then see the outcome. With every change, there will be people who agree and people who don't, but we have to give it a try," he said.
Aaron is set to partner Tee Kai Wun. However, as the pair do not yet have enough ranking points to enter the bigger tournaments, Aaron will temporarily team up with Aaron Tai, while Kai Wun will partner Yap Roy King.
Meanwhile, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi will join forces with Kang Khai Xing, with both new combinations set to make their debuts at the China Open next month.
Soh Wooi Yik, meanwhile, will partner Man Wei Chong and the pair are set to make their first appearance together at the Japan Open.
