PETALING JAYA: The question on everyone’s mind now is – should Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik stay together or go separate ways?
Although Aaron-Wooi Yik fell short again after losing 17-21, 16-21 to world No. 3 Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang in the World Championships final on Sunday, they still had reason to be proud after becoming the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to reach the final twice.
Cheah Soon Kit had also reached two world finals, but with different partners. He made the 1993 Birmingham final with Wooi Yik’s uncle Soo Beng Kiang before reaching another with Yap Kim Hock in Glasgow.
Weikeng-Wang Chang have beaten the 2022 world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik twice this year, first at the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens in April and the Singapore Open quarter-finals in June.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) may have to go back to the drawing board and reconsider reuniting Aaron-Wooi Yik as Malaysia continues its pursuit of an elusive Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have made a strong case that they remain Malaysia’s top men’s doubles combination after their final show in New Delhi despite the criticism over their performances before the tournament.
They also showed they are still capable of beating the best after knocking out South Korea’s defending champions and world No. 1 pair Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae in the semi-finals.
Aaron, however, admitted he is unsure what lies ahead, whether he will be reunited with Wooi Yik again in the future or continue with a new partner.
“We have been partners for many years and, like Wooi Yik said, this is not the end,” he said.
“Maybe it is a fresh start for both of us with new partners, and perhaps the coaches want us to focus more on ourselves first rather than the partnership.
“It could also give us a chance to look at our own weaknesses before we possibly get back together again. That is how we are looking at it,” said Aaron in a post match interview with BWF.
Wooi Yik was still grateful for the silver medal despite falling short of repeating their world title triumph in Tokyo four years ago in 2022.
“I’m obviously still very happy with the result. I think we did a good job to reach the final,” said Wooi Yik.
“Of course, we couldn’t finish it in the best way, but personally I’m still happy with our performance.
“There are still many targets ahead. Like I said, a player’s career is not long, so I want to reflect on what I need to do next and what I can improve.”
Aaron-Wooi Yik were split after their partnership was deemed to have stagnated following a 12-month title drought since their last triumph at the Singapore Open.
Wooi Yik was then paired with Man Wei Chong, while Aaron first teamed up with Tee Kai Wun before later partnering Aaron Tai.
Wooi Yik-Wei Chong endured a difficult start before finding some form with a runners-up finish at the Korean Masters, while Chia-Tai also reached the Taiwan Open final before the World Championships. After the world meet, Chia is set to partner Wei Chong, while Wooi Yik will team up with Tai.
