PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Wan Arif Wan Junaidi is looking forward to reuniting with former partner Mohd Haikal Nazri, but his immediate concern is to make sure his left arm is fully healed before their comeback.
Arif had to skip this week’s Indonesian Masters in Kudus with Mohd Faiq Masawi as he continues to receive treatment on the injury.
He is expected to partner Haikal again at the Syed Modi International from Nov 24-29, which will be their first tournament together since the 2022 Orleans Masters runners-up were separated four years ago.
The reunion is part of national men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi’s move to reshuffle the squad and find the best combinations.
“For now, I’m focusing on rehab because my arm is still not fully recovered. I’ll have a lot of work to do when we play together.
“If I’m not the one smashing, who is going to do the work and cover for Haikal?” said Arif with a grin.
Arif hopes he will recover in time for the tournament and believes the reunion could give both players a fresh start after struggling for results this year.
“I hope that even though this is another trial for me, we can make a comeback like we did four years ago and get some good results.
“From there, the results will also show us where we stand,” he added.
Haikal, however, is not looking too far ahead as he still has two tournaments to play with current partner Bryan Jeremy Goonting before teaming up with Arif.
Haikal-Bryan will compete at next week’s Korean Open, where they will start in the qualifying round against home pair Jin Sung-ik-Lee Hyeong-woo.
They will then head to Taiwan a week later for the Kaohsiung Masters.
“There are still two tournaments left with Bryan, so I will give everything I have.
“It doesn’t mean that just because I’m going to partner Arif later, I’m going into these tournaments expecting to lose. I will still go out there wanting to win. Otherwise, there is no point in going.
“As for whether I’m excited to partner Arif again, of course I am. Hopefully, we can do better,” said Haikal.
