Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, delivered a commanding performance to book their place in the Malaysian Open semi-finals for the first time in four years, much to the delight of the home crowd at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
The reigning 2022 world champions showcased their class and composure as they swept past Indonesia’s world No. 8 duo Sabar Gutama and Moh Reza in straight games, claiming a 21-19, 21-10 victory in just 34 minutes on Friday.
Turning the Tables in Style
Despite coming into the match with an unfavourable head-to-head record — having won only once in their previous five encounters against the Indonesian pair — Aaron and Wooi Yik displayed maturity and tactical sharpness when it mattered most. The opening game proved to be a tight contest, but the Malaysians held their nerve in the closing stages to edge it 21-19.
Once the momentum swung their way, the second game became a one-sided affair. Aaron-Wooi Yik raised the tempo, dominated the rallies, and overwhelmed their opponents with aggressive attacking play to close out the match emphatically at 21-10.
The win also served as sweet revenge for the Malaysian duo, who had suffered a painful defeat to the same Indonesian pair in the gold medal match at last month’s SEA Games in Thailand.
Lone Malaysian Hope in the Semi-Finals
With all other Malaysian representatives eliminated in the quarter-finals, Aaron and Wooi Yik ensured that the host nation remains represented in the last four of the prestigious tournament. Their progress has reignited hopes of ending Malaysia’s long wait for a finalist at the home Open.
The last Malaysian to reach a final at the Malaysian Open was Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, who went on to win the men’s singles title in 2018. Now, Aaron and Wooi Yik have a golden opportunity to end an eight-year drought for Malaysian finalists.
Tough Indonesian Test Awaits
Standing between the Malaysian pair and a place in the final is another formidable Indonesian challenge. Aaron-Wooi Yik are set to face Fajar Alfian and Shohibul Fikri in the semi-finals, a pairing that holds a slight edge in their recent head-to-head meetings, having beaten the Malaysians twice in their last three encounters.
However, confidence remains high for the world No. 2 duo, who emerged victorious in their most recent clash against Fajar–Fikri at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last month. This time, they will also enjoy the added boost of passionate home support.
Confidence and Focus Key, Says Aaron
Speaking after the match, Aaron Chia expressed his satisfaction with their performance and credited the crowd for lifting their spirits.
“I’m really happy with how we played today. The support from the fans gave us extra confidence,” said Aaron.
He added that the pair deliberately avoided dwelling on past results against Indonesian opponents.
“We didn’t think about our previous matches. We still have another big match coming up, so our focus is on staying sharp and carrying this momentum forward.”
On the upcoming semi-final showdown, Aaron acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead.
“Fajar and Fikri are not an easy pair to play against. We faced them recently at the Tour Finals, so we know what to expect. We need to prepare well and be ready for another tough battle.”
With form, confidence, and home advantage on their side, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will be aiming to take one step closer to history and deliver a memorable moment for Malaysian badminton fans.
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