K. M. Boopathy
KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik showed their steely side as they slayed Japanese bogeymen Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi despite fatigue at the Singapore Open yesterday.
The extraordinary effort saw world No. 3 Aaron-Wooi Yik avoid a ninth consecutive loss to world No. 17 Hoki-Kobayashi.
Thus, their wild celebrations after the match was understandable, considering their losing streak to Hoki-Kobayashi, especially their loss at the Sudirman Cup earlier this year.
Most importantly, Aaron-Wooi Yik’s 21-18, 24-26, 21-12 win over the Japanese has ensured Malaysia a semi-final representative in Singapore.
They will next meet compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the quarter-finals.
Newly crowned Malaysia Masters champions Wei Chong-Kai Wun defeated China‘s world No. 24 Huang Di-Liu Yang 21-16, 21-16 yesterday,
“It’s quite a relief because everyone would remember the Sudirman Cup loss. Today’s win is a boost to our confidence,” said a physically drained Wooi Yik.
Aaron said that national men’s doubles head coach, Herry IP, helped to make them more relaxed and focused.
“There was a flashback about our last match against them at the Sudirman Cup. We had the match point in the second game but couldn’t convert, our coach gave us a lot of motivation to boost us,” said Aaron.
“Our coach told us to focus on the strategy, like what we did in the first game. He wanted us to be relaxed and also enjoy the game more.
“Possibly, we broke it (the mental barrier) with more patience and also a bit of luck.
“We have secured a place for Malaysia in the semi-finals and we will treat it like a training match.”
Although Aaron-Wooi Yik lost to Wei Chong-Kai Wun in the Malaysian Masters final last week, the former, who are the Olympic bronze medallists and Asian champions, look confident.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
