PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik admit much has changed since they made history by becoming Malaysia’s first world champions four years ago.
As former world champions, Aaron-Wooi Yik are well aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with the tag, but Aaron believes they have handled the pressure well so far.
“I think everything changed after 2022, after we won Malaysia’s first World Championships title.
“Life changed and the expectations from the fans and the country became different as well. But I think we have handled it quite well so far,” said Aaron in an interview with the Indian media.
Four years ago in Tokyo, Aaron-Wooi Yik etched their names into Malaysian badminton history after overcoming Indonesia’s seasoned pair Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan in the final to become the country’s first world champions.
A year later in Copenhagen, however, their hopes of retaining the title ended in the semi-finals, where they had to settle for bronze.
The World Championships in New Delhi will mark their first tournament together in more than a month after men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi decided to try out different combinations in the build-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Aaron-Wooi Yik last played together at the Singapore Open in May before Wooi Yik was paired with Man Wei Chong.
Aaron, meanwhile, was initially partnered with Tee Kai Wun before later teaming up with youngster Aaron Tai.
In New Delhi, Aaron-Wooi Yik are seeded fourth and received a first round bye.
They will begin their campaign today against Thailand’s Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul.
