KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has expressed concern over the alarming slump in form of world No. 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who suffered yet another first-round exit at the Hong Kong Open.
Aaron-Wooi Yik were outclassed 21-13, 21-13 in under half an hour by England’s Ben Lane-Sean Vendy on Tuesday, marking their fifth early exit of the season.
The pair also fell at the opening hurdle of the Orleans Masters, All England, Indonesia Open and Japan Open.
“Indeed, Aaron-Wooi Yik’s form has declined, and this was evident since the World Championships in Paris,” said Herry when contacted.
“Their game has dropped compared to when I first started coaching them. Their gameplay was full of unforced errors, which clearly benefited their opponents. The wind cannot be used as an excuse this time.”
While Herry admitted he is troubled by the pair’s trajectory, he also pointed out that their struggles have created opportunities for other national combinations to step up.
Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, for instance, stunned world No. 4 Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark in the same round, securing the biggest win of their careers.
Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are also seen as potential contenders to take on a bigger role.
“From one perspective, I am worried about Aaron-Wooi Yik’s performance, but from another, this is a chance for the other pairs to show their capability,” said Herry, nicknamed Naga Api.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
