National shuttler Aaron Chia believes scratch pair combinations could be key to Malaysia’s badminton success at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
NATIONAL men’s doubles shuttler Aaron Chia is open to partnering with any player at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
He believes fielding scratch pairs could be the key to victory for Malaysia’s strongest squad at the biennial event.
“Yes, I think Malaysia have a better chance this time,” he told reporters after training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
“We’ve also discussed with the coach the possibility of trying a scratch pair, as the SEA Games do not involve world ranking points.”
The Paris Olympics bronze medallist said scratch combinations could work for both individual and team events.
He will be joined by his regular partner Soh Wooi Yik for the Games scheduled from December 11 to 14.
The final decision on pairings rests with the coach.
Aaron said the strategy could surprise opponents and serve as preparation for next year’s Thomas Cup.
“I think scratch pairs could give us the edge,” he added.
“You can see how good Fajar and Fikri of Indonesia have been as a scratch pair.”
“Maybe we can also pull off a similar surprise.”
Malaysia last won a badminton gold medal at the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam through mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Peck Yen Wei.
The national squad managed only two silver and four bronze medals at the last edition in Cambodia. – Bernama
