The pressure is mounting for Malaysia's top men's doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, as national coach Herry IP delivers a direct, no-nonsense message: major titles are the target, and emotional composure is non-negotiable. With the Asian Games looming, expectations are sky-high, and recent stumbles won't be tolerated.
- Herry IP has unequivocally declared Asian Games gold as the paramount objective for Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
- The recent Malaysia Masters semi-final exits by all BAM pairs were deemed a "failed target," requiring immediate lessons.
- Aaron Chia has been sternly reminded to keep his emotions in check, especially after a frustrated racquet-throwing incident.
- The pair faces an immediate chance for redemption as they defend their title at the upcoming Singapore Open.
Gold or Bust: The Asian Games Ultimatum
For national men's doubles head coach Herry IP, the Asian Games gold medal represents the pinnacle of success this year. He's made it clear that while World Tour events are crucial, the Aichi-Nagoya Games in September-October are the ultimate prize for world No. 2 Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. Malaysia is desperately aiming to end a 20-year gold drought in men's doubles, a legacy last held by Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong at the 2006 Doha Games.
Having previously guided Indonesia to three consecutive Asian Games gold medals, Herry IP, affectionately known as the "Fire Dragon," knows what it takes to dominate. He sees the Asian Games as an even greater focus than the World Championships in New Delhi this August, especially after Aaron-Wooi Yik secured a hard-fought bronze at the previous Hangzhou Games.
Malaysia Masters Misstep: A Reality Check
The recent Malaysia Masters proved to be a harsh reality check for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) pairs. Coach Herry IP didn't mince words, admitting that the semi-final exits meant a "failed target." The goal was to clinch the championship, a stark contrast to the outcome.
Taming the Inner Demons
The disappointment was palpable, especially for Aaron Chia. His frustration boiled over during the semi-final clash against independent duo Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. Aaron-Wooi Yik ultimately fell 21-18, 21-12 to their compatriots. Herry IP specifically highlighted Aaron's racquet-throwing incident, stressing that such displays are unacceptable for senior players and role models. He emphasized the crucial need for both Aaron and Wooi Yik to control their emotions more effectively on court.
Another BAM pair, Wan Arif Junaidi and Yap Roy King (world No. 16), also faced defeat, losing 21-19, 21-17 to Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard. While Aaron-Wooi Yik had shown consistent gameplay until the quarter-finals, their emotional lapse against Sze Fei-Izzuddin proved costly.
Redemption Awaits: Singapore Open Challenge
The road to redemption is swift for Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. They now turn their attention to the Singapore Open, where they are the defending champions. This Super 750 event, kicking off on Tuesday, offers a prime opportunity to regain their form and demonstrate improved emotional discipline.
Joining them in Singapore will be Arif-Roy King and world No. 26 Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing, all aiming to make their mark. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on Aaron-Wooi Yik to see if they can channel their coach's demanding message into a gold-medal performance.
