ONE can easily spot Aaron Chia on the badminton court – jovial, lively and always ready to light up any discussion.
But behind his fun-loving demeanour is a dedicated player who has won the admiration of national doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.
“Aaron is a responsible player. He is committed and shows good discipline on court,” said Herry.
Although Aaron-Kai Wun are a scratch partnership, they have already shown they have what it takes to click when it matters.
It will be the duo’s last act together as after the Asiad, Aaron will return to playing with his regular partner Soh Wooi Yik, whom he won the bronze medal at the last Asiad in Hangzhou.
Aaron-Kai Wun are likely to face Daniel Marthin-Leo Rolly in the second doubles, but Indonesia will be hoping to wrap up the tie before it reaches that stage.
In the opening singles, Leong Jun Hao faces a daunting task against world No. 1 Jonatan Christie. The Malaysian has yet to beat Jonatan this year.
The first doubles could be a much closer affair, with Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani taking on world No. 2 Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri in a match that could go either way.
Justin Hoh is likely to face Alwi Farhan in the second singles, with the Indonesian appearing to be in better form heading into the tie.
Should the quarter-final go down to the deciding third singles, Indonesia could hold the edge as Moh Zaki Ubaidillah has more experience handling a high-pressure match than either Eogene Ewe or Kang Khai Xing.
But Malaysia just need one of their singles players to rise to the occasion to keep their hopes of upsetting Indonesia alive.
Team captain Goh Soon Huat and fellow mixed doubles player Chen Tang Jie will also be throwing their full support behind the team as Malaysia look to end their long wait for another men’s team medal at the Asian Games.
They last won a bronze at the 2014 Incheon Games.
