In the ever-demanding world of international badminton, players often find themselves walking a tightrope between specialization and versatility. For Malaysian shuttler Roy King Yap, the 2025 season has marked a decisive turning point. Known for his tenacity and flexibility across different disciplines, Roy King has now made it clear: he is focusing entirely on the men’s doubles event, putting mixed doubles on temporary hold.
This strategic pivot comes after several months of introspection, performance analysis, and conversations with his coaches and mentors. For a player who has shown remarkable promise in both men’s and mixed doubles, this move signals more than just a reshuffling of priorities—it reflects a deeper commitment to mastering one side of the court in a bid for world-class recognition.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind this decision, how it’s already influencing his performance, and what it means for Malaysian badminton’s future.
A Rising Star Torn Between Two Courts
Roy King Yap’s journey in badminton has been a tale of rapid ascent. Bursting onto the international scene as a versatile doubles player, Roy King quickly drew attention with his energetic style, court awareness, and aggressive net play. Whether paired with a male partner in men’s doubles or taking on the challenge of mixed events, his adaptability seemed to be his greatest asset. In early 2024, he was juggling responsibilities in both disciplines. His pairing with mixed doubles partner Valeree Siow had yielded encouraging results on the BWF International Series and Challenge circuit, making them a pair to watch. They had strong chemistry on court and managed several impressive wins, including victories over more experienced pairs from Thailand, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei.
Simultaneously, Roy King began forming a formidable bond in the men’s doubles category with his new partner, Chang Yee Jun. The pair steadily climbed the rankings, demonstrating improved consistency, powerful smashes, and cohesive rotations that rivalled more established Malaysian duos.
However, this dual commitment came with its own cost.
“The schedule was brutal,” Roy King admitted in a recent interview. “Training for both events, traveling, and trying to peak in two categories meant that sometimes I wasn’t giving 100% to either. I had to make a decision not just for my body, but for my long-term career.”
The Strategic Shift Prioritizing Growth
By early 2025, the results in men’s doubles began speaking louder. Roy King and Chang Yee Jun broke into the top 50 BWF rankings—a huge milestone for a relatively new pair. Their performances at the Thailand Masters and the Swiss Open, where they reached the quarterfinals, caught the eye of Malaysian selectors and international commentators alike.
Meanwhile, his mixed doubles results plateaued. Injuries, travel fatigue, and limited time for focused drills affected synergy with Valeree Siow. Despite both players’ dedication, the gains in mixed events were no longer justifying the exhaustive effort required.
Coach Rexy Mainaky, Malaysia’s doubles head coach, weighed in on the decision. “We believe Roy has tremendous potential in men’s doubles. His instincts at the front court, his reflexes, and the way he covers space with Chang are exceptional. It’s better to channel energy into one path now and aim for top-tier success.”
This shift doesn’t mean Roy is giving up on mixed doubles forever. He’s emphasized that the door remains open—just not right now. “Mixed doubles is something I love, and I’ve learned a lot from playing it. But you have to choose your battles. For now, I want to give everything to men’s doubles and see how far we can go,” Roy King noted.
Progress Since the Pivot
Since dedicating himself fully to the men’s doubles game, Roy King has already begun to reap the benefits. His physical conditioning has improved, with more specific drills focused on explosive lateral movement, reaction time, and power strokes. According to team trainers, his fitness stats are at an all-time high.
Tactically, the new clarity has brought refinement. Roy King and Chang Yee Jun have fine-tuned their strategies—mixing powerful cross-court drives with deceptive drop shots and aggressive net play. Their win-loss ratio has dramatically improved in the first half of 2025, beating seeded opponents from South Korea, Denmark, and even Japan.
“We’re growing in confidence,” said Chang Yee Jun. “Every match we learn something new. The focus we’ve had since Roy decided to commit fully to men’s doubles has helped us grow faster than we expected.”
Analysts agree. Former national player and TV pundit Tan Boon Heong commented, “This duo could be a surprise package at the Asian Games. They’re fresh, hungry, and tactically smart. Roy’s decision to focus has allowed him to find a rhythm—and that’s dangerous for opponents.”
National Implications and the Road Ahead
Roy King’s decision also comes at a crucial time for Malaysian badminton. With veterans like Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik still holding the reins but beginning to feel the weight of years on the tour, the next generation must step up. The Malaysian Badminton Association (BAM) is under pressure to develop successors who can maintain the nation’s proud legacy in men’s doubles.
By focusing solely on this discipline, Roy King is positioning himself as one of the next torchbearers. The 2025 SEA Games, Asian Games, and the BWF Super 500 circuit are all potential platforms where he and Chang can cement their reputation.
Moreover, his decision to step back from mixed doubles has opened doors for younger players. The departure has allowed upcoming mixed talents like Junaidi Arif and Go Pei Kee to rise and explore new pairings—expanding Malaysia’s bench strength in the mixed field.
Looking forward, Roy King has his sights set on breaking into the BWF top 20 before year-end and qualifying for the 2026 World Championships. “We’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer every day. It’s all about trust, training, and time on court. This is just the beginning,” he declared with conviction.
Reflections on Sacrifice and Growth
It’s never easy to walk away from something you love, especially when you’ve found joy and success in it. Roy King’s shift away from mixed doubles is more than just a tactical decision—it reflects maturity, self-awareness, and a willingness to take the hard path for long-term gain.
“Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that help you grow the most,” Roy reflected. “I still support Valeree and all my teammates in mixed doubles. But for now, my energy is here—with Chang, with this project, with men’s doubles.”
And the badminton world is watching. Because when a talented, focused, and hungry athlete chooses clarity over comfort, the results often speak for themselves.
Also Read:
