Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are refusing to be distracted by their favourable head-to-head record as they prepare to face fellow Malaysians Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the last 16 of the World Championships in New Delhi.
The world No. 2 pair have the experience and results on their side, but Aaron and Wooi Yik know those advantages will count for little once the two Malaysian pairs step onto court.
Instead, the former world champions are taking a cautious approach to a match that guarantees Malaysia a place in the quarter-finals but also ends the campaign of one of the country's leading men's doubles partnerships.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have been reunited after spending the past month with different partners. During that period, Wooi Yik teamed up with Wei Chong, while Aaron played alongside other partners as the national setup explored different combinations.
Wei Chong and Wooi Yik even reached the final of the Taiwan Open before the regular partnership between Wei Chong and Kai Wun was restored.
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That recent experience makes the upcoming clash even more intriguing, but Aaron-Wooi Yik are determined not to read too much into it.
Their opponents have also enjoyed a strong run into the last 16 and will be looking to make the most of the opportunity against one of Malaysia's most decorated pairs.
An all-Malaysian clash is never straightforward, with both sides familiar with each other's strengths, weaknesses and playing patterns. The lack of mystery can make the tactical battle even more demanding, as small differences in execution could decide the outcome.
For Aaron-Wooi Yik, the priority is simply to stay focused and treat Wei Chong-Kai Wun like any other dangerous opponent.
The stakes are high for both pairs. Aaron-Wooi Yik are chasing another deep run at the World Championships, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun will be determined to prove they can overcome one of the world's leading combinations on the biggest stage.
Malaysia had hoped to challenge strongly for medals in the men's doubles event, and this early meeting between two of its top pairs is an unfortunate consequence of having several strong combinations in the draw.
With a quarter-final place at stake, there will be no room for sentiment when the two Malaysian partnerships meet in New Delhi.
Regardless of the result, Malaysia will have a pair in the last eight. The challenge for both Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun is to ensure they are the ones still standing when the all-Malaysian battle is over.
