PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Wan Arif Wan Junaidi is hoping to deliver a memorable show with partner Yap Roy King at the Japan Open before the duo take a break and team up with other shuttlers.
Arif aims to reach at least the quarter-finals of the Super 750 tournament next week with Roy King, before he begins his new partnership with Kang Khai Xing at the China Open the week after from July 21-26.
“The focus still remains with Roy King for Japan. I will shift my training focus with Khai Xing afterwards,” said Arif, who is ranked 19th with Roy King.
“Right now, my target is to at least reach the quarter-finals in Japan. We want to get a good result as that would help with the ranking points.''
The 24-year-old Arif added that the new combinations in the men’s doubles department could bring about fresh perspectives within the camp.
He is looking forward to partnering the 20-year-old Khai Xing but stressed that their communication must be a two-way process.
“Maybe I have a little more responsibility because I’m older, but I make mistakes as well so I will need to listen to Khai Xing as well.
“I believe that changes will refresh us and our game. Regardless of who my partner is, I will approach it by giving it my best,” he said.
On teaming up with Khai Xing, Arif is not worried as he sees similarities between his outgoing and incoming partners.
“I’m not too concerned with how things will go because his (Khai Xing) style of play is quite similar to Roy King.
“They are both right-handed players and play at the rear. So I think it would be a smooth transition. But we will know better once we play together,” said Arif.
Arif-Roy King’s campaign at the Japan Open last year ended early as they fell to compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the opening round.
