National men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi cut a visibly satisfied figure at the Axiata Arena as Malaysia’s top two pairs delivered performances that kept home hopes firmly alive. Under the bright lights and relentless energy of a passionate crowd, Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun marched into the quarter-finals, showcasing resilience, tactical maturity, and a shared belief that this campaign could go deep.
For Herry IP, the progress of both pairs into the last eight was more than a box ticked on the results sheet. It was a confirmation that Malaysia’s men’s doubles unit is trending in the right direction—competitive, composed, and capable of meeting pressure head-on when it matters most.
Aaron–Soh Dig Deep in a Three-Game Test
Malaysia’s premier men’s doubles pair, Aaron–Soh, were pushed to the brink by China’s Chen Xujun and Liu Yang in a bruising 62-minute encounter that demanded both physical endurance and mental clarity. The former world champions took the opening game 21-14 with authority, dictating tempo through sharp net interceptions and disciplined rear-court coverage.
China responded in the second game, lifting intensity and forcing longer rallies that disrupted Malaysia’s rhythm. Aaron–Soh conceded the set 14-21, but their response in the decider underlined why they remain the nation’s standard-bearers. Regaining control with patient shot selection and timely aggression, they closed out the match 21-14, drawing a roar of approval from the home crowd.
The victory wasn’t merely about advancing. It was a reminder of Aaron–Soh’s ability to absorb pressure and reset—an attribute that separates elite pairs from the rest.
Man–Tee Cruise With Confidence and Control
In contrast, Wei Chong–Kai Wun produced a composed, straight-games win over Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita, prevailing 21-19, 21-15. While the opening game required focus amid tight exchanges, the Malaysian pair settled quickly, tightening their service returns and seizing the initiative in flat rallies.
Their movement and communication stood out, as did their willingness to stay aggressive without overreaching. The result provided a valuable confidence boost heading into the business end of the tournament, especially with potentially daunting opponents looming.
Eyes on the Last Eight as Stakes Rise
The quarter-finals promise a steep escalation in difficulty. Aaron–Soh could face either South Korea’s Kang Min-hyuk–Ki Dong-ju or Indonesia’s Sabar Karyaman–Moh Reza, two pairs known for pace and relentless attacking intent. Meanwhile, Wei Chong–Kai Wun may be tested by the very best, with top seeds Kim Won-ho–Seo Seung-jae of South Korea—or experienced Malaysians Nur Azriyn Ayub–Tan Wee Kiong—awaiting in the wings.
Despite the uncertainty, both Malaysian pairs struck an optimistic tone, leaning on momentum and the intangible lift of home support.
Chasing a Long-Awaited Semi-Final Return
For Aaron–Soh, the motivation is clear. Their last semi-final appearance at this event came in 2022, and the hunger to return to the final weekend is palpable.
“We all hope to play until the final day,” Aaron said. “But sometimes expectation and reality are different. As players, we will do our best to fight until the end. We hope the fans will continue to support all Malaysian players.”
Soh echoed the sentiment, pointing to the broader significance of both pairs advancing. “It’s a good sign that both pairs won today. It shows we’re on the same level, and we hope to ride on this momentum,” he said.
Man–Tee Draw Energy From the Home Crowd
Wei Chong–Kai Wun face a formidable challenge if they cross paths with world No. 1 Kim–Seo, a pair that dominated the BWF World Tour last year with consistency and ruthlessness. Still, Wei Chong believes the crowd could be the difference.
“There are many fans here supporting us, including those who travelled from far away,” he said. “It definitely boosts our motivation. Playing in Malaysia makes us even more excited.”
That connection with the crowd—felt in every rally and celebration—has become a defining feature of Malaysia’s campaign.
Mixed Fortunes Elsewhere for Malaysia
Not all results went Malaysia’s way. Wan Arif Wan Junaidi–Yap Roy King bowed out after a 18-21, 11-21 defeat to India’s formidable duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy–Chirag Shetty, while Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were edged out by England’s Ben Lane–Sean Vendy 13-21, 17-21.
Yet the spotlight remained firmly on Aaron–Soh and Man–Tee, whose progress kept the national flag flying.
Momentum, Belief, and a Coach’s Quiet Confidence
As the tournament sharpens, Herry IP’s quiet confidence mirrors the growing belief within his squad. Two pairs in the quarter-finals, a roaring home crowd, and momentum building at the right time—Malaysia’s men’s doubles challenge is very much alive.
The next step will demand precision, bravery, and belief. But for now, the smiles say it all.
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