PETALING JAYA: Former national shuttler Tan Kian Meng has urged fans to continue backing men's doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi's decision to split up established partnerships in favour of new combinations despite concerns over the risky move.
Kian Meng admitted several of Herry's new pairings, including former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik with their respective new partners, have yet to produce the desired results over the past few tournaments.
However, Kian Meng, who is now a coach with England, believes the temporary split could ultimately benefit Aaron and Wooi Yik when they reunite for the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23.
He added that splitting up established partnerships is nothing new, with several other countries having adopted a similar approach.
"I feel quite positive about it. I don't know exactly what Herry's plan is, but I think it's good that Aaron Tai gets the opportunity to partner Aaron Chia. They look refreshed.
"Maybe Aaron and Wooi Yik will also come back refreshed at the World Championships. They've been together for a long time, so this break could be good for them," said Kian Meng.
Wooi Yik is currently partnering Man Wei Chong, but the pair have struggled to make an impact after three tournaments together at the Japan Open, China Open and Taiwan Open.
The same goes for Tee Kai Wun-Yap Roy King and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Kang Khai Xing.
Aaron, however, has enjoyed an encouraging start alongside Aaron Tai after the pair finished runners-up at last week's Taiwan Open in only their second tournament together following the China Open.
However, all of them will reunite with their original partners for the World Championships in India before splitting up again for the China Masters in September, where Aaron will partner Man Wei Chong while Wooi Yik will team up with Aaron Tai.
The reshuffle is expected to continue until the end of the year as Herry looks to identify the strongest combinations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Kian Meng therefore urged fans to remain patient, saying the players need support rather than criticism as they adapt to their new partnerships.
"What Malaysian supporters need to do now is simply support them. Saying all sorts of things isn't going to help the players, so it's better to just back them.
"Maybe their performances have dipped a little, and I understand why people question them when they don't play well. But when they win, nobody says those things.
"I choose to look at it positively. There's no right or wrong. Right now, they just need support," he added.
Kian Meng will spend a month at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara with the England squad as they prepare for the World Championships in India.
