Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong's first tournament together ended in disappointment after the newly formed Malaysian men's doubles pair suffered a first-round exit at the Japan Open.
Making their debut as a partnership at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Wednesday, the Malaysians pushed Taiwan's world No. 18 pair Lee Fang Chih and Lee Fang Jen in a closely contested match before losing 23-21, 17-21, 16-21 in 62 minutes.
Wooi Yik and Wei Chong started strongly by taking the opening game, showing early signs of their potential as a new combination. However, the Taiwanese duo responded well in the following two games, maintaining their composure to complete the comeback and end Malaysia's hopes in the opening round.
The Japan Open marked the first competitive outing for the pair after national men's doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi introduced several new combinations as part of Malaysia's preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games. Wooi Yik previously partnered Aaron Chia, while Wei Chong had been paired with Tee Kai Wun before the reshuffle.
Despite the early defeat, the match provided valuable experience for the new partnership as they begin the process of building chemistry at international level.
Wooi Yik and Wei Chong will have another opportunity to test their progress at the China Open, which begins on July 21.
