PETALING JAYA: Former national men’s doubles great Datuk Razif Sidek hopes Malaysia’s pairs can make deep runs at the Korean Masters, the final tournament before the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23.
With less than two weeks before the players reunite with their regular partners for the World Championships, Razif believes a strong showing in Asan would provide a timely confidence boost.
Malaysia’s men’s doubles players are currently competing in scratch pairings as coach Herry Iman Pierngadi continues experimenting in his search of the best combinations.
“We certainly hope they can go as far as possible. We want our players to perform well and go far in Korea,” said Razif.
“But it won’t be easy because there are many strong pairs capable of challenging our players.
“We’ll see how they perform at the Korean Masters.
Yesterday, Aaron Chia-Aaron Tai booked their place in the second round with a comfortable 21-17, 21-15 victory over India’s Bhargav Ram Arigela-Viswa Tej Gobburu.
They will next face compatriot Goh V Shem and his South Korean partner Choi Sol-gyu for a place in the quarter-finals.
Also in action today are Tee Kai Wun-Yap Roy King, who take on South Korea’s Jin Yong-Lee Jong-min, while Man Wei Chong-Soh Wooi Yik face Singapore’s Nge Joo Jie-Willard Wee.
Independent pair Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong, meanwhile, face a stern test against third seeds He Zhi-wei-Huang Jui-hsuan of Taiwan.
At the World Championships, Aaron will reunite with Wooi Yik, while Wei Chong will resume his partnership with Kai Wun.
Wan Arif Wan Junaidi will also reunite with Roy King, who earned a place in the World Championships after being promoted from the reserve list.
Completing Malaysia’s men’s doubles line-up are former world No. 1 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
