PETALING JAYA: National men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is prepared to take the risk after making the unpopular decision to split Malaysia’s top two men’s doubles pairs, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
The 62-year-old is aware of the gamble, with the qualification period for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics set to begin in May next year. Only time will tell whether the changes will produce the desired results.
“We have to be brave enough to take that risk. If we are not willing to try, how will we know the outcome? It could turn out better or it might not, but the important thing is that we try.
“Almost every other country does the same thing. We have to be brave enough to try despite the risks involved. If it works, that’s great. If it doesn’t, at least we will know. We made this decision after careful consideration,” said Herry.
Aaron will partner Kai Wun. However, as the pair do not yet have enough ranking points to enter the bigger tournaments, Aaron will temporarily play with Aaron Tai, while Kai Wun will partner Yap Roy King.
Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Kang Khai Xing and Wooi Yik-Wei Chong will make their their debuts at the China and Japan Opens next month.
Herry denied that there was any conflict within the men’s doubles squad that prompted the reshuffle.
“They asked us why. We explained it to them it was to find the best combinations – we have to try. If we keep things the same, our opponents from other countries already know our style of play. So we want to try something new,” he added.
