PETALING JAYA: After a decade partnering Soh Wooi Yik, Aaron is set to begin a new chapter with Aaron Tai at the China Open in Changzhou starting next Tuesday.
And the 29-year-old Aaron is ready to give his all regardless of who he is paired with, as long as the new partnership can produce results.
“It doesn’t matter who my partner is. I’ll always give 100 per cent. It’s like playing in the Thomas Cup. Even if you’re put into a scratch pairing, you still have to give your best,” said Aaron.
Aaron and his namesake will also compete at the Taiwan Open (July 28-Aug 2) and the Korean Masters (Aug 4-9). He is then expected to partner Tee Kai Wun for the European leg of the World Tour from October onwards.
Aaron believes the timing is ideal to test the new combinations, with enough time to evaluate them before the 2028 Olympic qualifying period begins in May next year.
“As players in the national team, we follow the coaches’ decisions. The coaches have also discussed it with the president, so I have no issue accepting it.
“This isn’t something that’s set in stone. We’re just trying things out. Olympic qualification hasn’t started yet, so there’s still time. The most important thing is to keep improving yourself,” he added.
Aaron will not be the only player forming a new partnership at the China Open. Kai Wun will team up with Yap Roy King, while Wan Arif Wan Junaidi is set to partner Kang Khai Xing.
Soh Wooi Yik and his new partner Man Wei Chong will also compete in Changzhou.
However, the pair endured a disappointing start to their partnership after suffering a first-round defeat at the Japan Open.
