The Japan Open 2025 is just around the corner, and the draw has already produced a tantalizing matchup for badminton fans, particularly those from Malaysia. In a twist of fate and seeding mechanics, two of Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pairs — Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik and Ong Yew Sin/Teo Ee Yi — will clash in the first round. It’s an all-Malaysian showdown that promises intensity, familiarity, and perhaps, a defining moment in the trajectory of both pairs.
As soon as the draw was revealed, the news sparked conversations across badminton circles, with fans, analysts, and former players weighing in. The pairing of Aaron and Wooi Yik, Malaysia’s top-ranked pair and former World Champions, against Yew Sin and Ee Yi, the ever-consistent underdogs with a flair for upsets, has all the makings of an epic early-round battle.
Let’s take a closer look at what this encounter means, both in the context of the Japan Open and Malaysian badminton at large.
A Tale of Two Partnerships
While they share the same flag and often the same practice courts, Aaron Chia/Wooi Yik and Yew Sin/Ee Yi have walked slightly different paths in their careers.
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Aaron Chia & Soh Wooi Yik
Aaron and Wooi Yik have been Malaysia’s flagship men’s doubles pair since 2018. Their chemistry, born from years of junior tournaments and shared vision, culminated in a historic gold medal at the 2022 BWF World Championships in Tokyo — the first ever for Malaysia in any category at the event. They also clinched the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), cementing their legacy in Malaysian badminton.
Their playing style is defined by Aaron’s solid defense and playmaking at the back and Wooi Yik’s aggression and sharp netplay. Despite often being criticized for not winning enough BWF World Tour titles, they consistently remain among the world’s top five.
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Ong Yew Sin & Teo Ee Yi
On the other hand, Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi are a story of resilience. Once part of BAM, they were dropped in early 2020 but refused to quit. As independents, they climbed their way back up the world rankings through sheer grit. They stunned the world by reaching the final of the 2020 Thailand Masters and later claimed a bronze at the 2021 BWF World Championships.
Yew Sin brings calm and strategic vision, while Ee Yi adds tenacity and an unorthodox flair. Their ability to disrupt more fancied opponents makes them dangerous on any given day.
Previous Encounters A Balanced Rivalry
Though they train and compete under the same national umbrella, head-to-head encounters between Aaron/Wooi Yik and Yew Sin/Ee Yi are BWF World Tour rare due to seeding and draw dynamics. However, in past meetings — especially in national-level matches or closed-door sparring — the tension and competitiveness are always high.
In their last BWF World Tour meeting, Aaron/Wooi Yik emerged victorious in straight games at the 2022 Malaysian Open, but the scoreline didn’t reflect the intensity of the rallies. Prior to that, Yew Sin/Ee Yi had managed to defeat Aaron/Wooi Yik at the 2019 India Open.
The record is nearly even, with both sides having traded wins over the years. What sets this upcoming clash apart is the stage and the stakes.
The Japan Open Stage Why This Match Matters
The Japan Open is not just another tournament. Held at the iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, it’s a Super 750 event on the BWF World Tour, offering significant ranking points and high-caliber competition.
For Aaron and Wooi Yik, this event has sentimental value — it was in Japan that they became world champions. For Yew Sin and Ee Yi, it’s another shot at proving they belong among the elite and can challenge the status quo.
But this match carries deeper implications beyond just progression to the second round.
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Olympic Points and Rankings
With the Paris 2024 Olympics qualification race heating up, every point counts. While Aaron/Wooi Yik are virtually assured a spot, a few more strong performances will secure their seeding.
For Yew Sin/Ee Yi, a deep run in Japan could be decisive in determining whether they make it to Paris. Losing in the first round — especially to fellow Malaysians — would be a painful blow to their Olympic hopes.
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Mental Edge and National Standing
Winning against your compatriots is more than just advancement in a tournament. It’s about asserting dominance and staking a claim as Malaysia’s best. While Aaron/Wooi Yik hold the top rank, Yew Sin/Ee Yi have often voiced their desire to break the internal hierarchy.
A win for Ong and Teo would send a powerful message, perhaps shifting perceptions among national selectors, sponsors, and even coaches.
Style vs Style Tactical Breakdown
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Aaron/Wooi Yik
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- Strengths: Defense, rotation, sharp counter-attacks
- Weaknesses: Inconsistency in converting match points, occasionally slow starts
Aaron and Wooi Yik are famed for their counter-attacking prowess. They absorb pressure better than almost any pair in the world. Their ability to read opponents and switch momentum during mid-rally exchanges is what won them the World Championship.
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Yew Sin/Ee Yi
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- Strengths: Deception, speed, net variations
- Weaknesses: Tend to rush points, vulnerable to long rallies
Yew Sin and Ee Yi play with unpredictable rhythm. They change pace rapidly and often employ deceptive flicks and drops to unbalance even the most structured pairs.
The clash, therefore, will likely be determined by who controls the net. If Wooi Yik dominates with his fast intercepts, Aaron can stay comfortable in defense. But if Ee Yi can drag Wooi Yik into uncertainty, rallies will break into chaos — which may favor the underdogs.
Coaches’ Dilemma Who Do You Support
Given that both pairs are Malaysian, it creates a unique dilemma for the coaching staff.
While Aaron/Wooi Yik are under BAM’s direct supervision, Ong and Teo work with independent coaches. Still, both receive technical support from national resources during major events. During an all-Malaysian clash, the coaches usually step back to avoid conflict of interest, leaving it up to the players.
As Rexy Mainaky, BAM’s Doubles Head, stated in an earlier interview:
“We don’t pick sides. We support good badminton. Whoever wins, it’s Malaysia that wins.”
Fan Reactions and National Buzz
Unsurprisingly, Malaysian fans are torn. Social media has exploded with predictions, emotional support, and spirited debates.
Some fans have called it “a heartbreaking draw,” while others are thrilled at the rare chance to watch their best pairs go head-to-head on the world stage.
On Twitter, the hashtag #MalaysiaDerbyTokyo has started trending, with fans comparing the draw to a “mini-final.”
One user tweeted:
“This match should be the semis or finals, not R1! But no matter who wins, we’ll be proud.”
Another wrote:
“Aaron/Wooi Yik are the favorites, but never count out Yew Sin/Ee Yi. They play with fire in their eyes.”
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