Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are one win away from ending the country’s 12-year Malaysia Open title drought.
THE country’s top men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are on the brink of ending a 12-year title drought at the Malaysia Open.
The second seeds stormed into the final after a hard-fought 23-21, 21-18 victory over Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the semi-finals.
The intense 50-minute match at a packed Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
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The result presents the world number two pair with a chance to become the first local winners since Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah triumphed in 2014.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will face top seeds and defending champions Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea in the title clash.
The Korean pair progressed to their second consecutive final after beating England’s Ben Lane-Sean Vendy 8-21, 21-11, 21-18.
Speaking after the match, Aaron Chia expressed delight at reaching back-to-back finals on home soil.
He recalled last year’s loss to compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the Malaysia Masters final.
Looking ahead, Aaron believes both pairs have a fair chance, pointing to their even 1-1 head-to-head record.
“Last year they were on fire, but this is the first tournament this year. I see it as 50–50 tomorrow. However, we have the advantage playing at home,” he said.
Wooi Yik admitted the pressure will be high but said they intend to enjoy the game.
Meanwhile, Seung Jae blamed a slow start for their early setback in the semi-final.
Won Ho has his sights firmly set on defending the title. – Bernama
