As the badminton world sets its sights on the BWF World Championships 2025, to be held in the dazzling city of Paris from August 25 to 31, Malaysia’s men’s doubles contingent is showing encouraging signs of peaking at the right time. With six titles already collected between them in just six months, the trios of Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, and Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun have injected both optimism and excitement into Malaysia’s quest for a coveted men’s doubles world title.
For a nation with a rich badminton heritage, Malaysia has long craved consistent dominance in men’s doubles, and while titles have come in patches over the decades, a comprehensive unit delivering results across the board has been rare. This year, however, seems different. The synergy among the top pairs, combined with individual improvements, smart scheduling, and coaching clarity, has created a formidable three-pronged threat heading to Paris.
Let’s explore how each pair has shaped up so far in 2025 and what their chances look like heading into the sport’s biggest tournament of the year.
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik Hungry for Gold
Current Ranking: World No. 2
Titles in 2025:
- Badminton Asia Championships (Manila)
- Singapore Open (Super 750)
- Thailand Open (Super 500)
Other Highlights:
- Runners-up at Malaysia Masters
Arguably Malaysia’s most accomplished men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have evolved from Olympic bronze medalists and World Champions in 2022 into genuine title contenders at every tournament they enter.
Their 2025 campaign so far has been nothing short of excellent. After a solid start in January, the pair exploded into form during the Asian leg of the tour, capturing their first Badminton Asia Championships crown in Manila with a thrilling victory over South Korea’s Kang/Seo. Their success didn’t stop there. Aaron and Wooi Yik went on to dominate the Singapore Open, using sharp attacking formations and improved court coverage to outmaneuver the Chinese and Indonesian pairs in succession.
Their ability to maintain this level was underlined at the Thailand Open, where they again stood atop the podium. What’s been most impressive is how well they’ve adapted their style. Previously criticized for being too defensive and relying on counterpunching, the pair now plays with greater initiative and speed, often taking the net early and opening attacking lanes.
“We’ve worked a lot on speed in transition and varying our attack. We’re no longer just rally players—we want to finish points when the chance comes,” said Aaron in an interview after the Singapore final.
Why They’re Malaysia’s Best Shot
Their big-match temperament, improved tactical depth, and consistent results on the BWF World Tour make Aaron and Wooi Yik the leading medal hope for Malaysia in Paris. Having previously conquered the world in Tokyo in 2022, they’ll be eager to reclaim that title in the City of Light and possibly make history by becoming double world champions.
Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Back with a Vengeance
Current Ranking: World No. 9
Titles in 2025:
- Swiss Open (Super 300)
- Australian Open (Super 500)
After a brief split in 2023 due to incompatibility issues, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin have made a remarkable comeback—not just as a reunited pair, but as legitimate title threats.
Their chemistry, once a point of contention, now appears to be their greatest strength. With Sze Fei’s flair and creative shot-making combining seamlessly with Izzuddin’s defensive grit and flat drives, the duo has displayed a newfound maturity on court.
Their Swiss Open victory marked their first title since reuniting, achieved through commanding wins over European and Chinese pairs. They followed that up with a strong run in the Australian Open, where they upset higher-ranked pairs en route to their second crown of the year.
What’s different this time is their ability to win matches that go the distance. Where they once faltered under pressure, now they thrive. Their three-game win over Denmark’s Astrup/Rasmussen in Sydney showed resilience and smart endgame strategy.
“The break helped us both grow. We understand each other better now. Our communication on court has improved a lot,” said Izzuddin.
Paris Prospects
If their upward trajectory continues, Sze Fei and Izzuddin could be dark horses in the draw. They’ve proven they can take down top seeds and aren’t intimidated by the occasion. In Paris, if the draw opens up and they bring their A-game, a semifinal appearance is within reach, if not more.
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun The Next Big Thing
Current Ranking: World No. 14
Titles in 2025:
- Malaysian Masters (Super 500)
Younger, hungrier, and still developing, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun have emerged as the breakout Malaysian pair of 2025. Their most notable achievement so far was capturing the Malaysian Masters title, where they stunned top seeds including their seniors Aaron and Wooi Yik in the final.
That win wasn’t just about raw power or youthful exuberance—it showcased a strategic maturity beyond their years. Their use of pace variation, deceptive lifts, and well-timed flat exchanges showed that they’ve matured tactically.
Coached closely by Rexy Mainaky and Tan Bin Shen, Man/Tee are also physically strong and capable of maintaining high-intensity rallies without fading, which is a crucial asset in three-game battles.
Their victory at home gave them a massive confidence boost, and their post-match composure showed they weren’t content with just one title. They’re in Paris to compete, not just participate.
“It feels amazing to win at home, but we know the World Championships will be another level. We’ll keep working hard and aim to reach at least the quarterfinals,” said Man.
Potential in Paris
While less experienced than the other two Malaysian pairs, Man/Tee have the benefit of playing without heavy pressure. That makes them dangerous floaters in the draw. They’ve beaten big names before—and could do it again.
A Collective Force Malaysia Hasn’t Had in Years
What sets this year apart is that Malaysia isn’t heading to the World Championships with just one or two contenders—they have three. And all three have recent titles to back their credentials. That hasn’t happened in more than a decade.
Historically, Malaysia has always had a world-class men’s doubles pair: from Cheah Soon Kit–Yap Kim Hock in the 90s to Koo Kien Keat–Tan Boon Heong and now Aaron–Wooi Yik. But having multiple medal-caliber pairs at once is a rare luxury.
This depth gives Malaysia an edge—not only in increasing the chances of a podium finish but also in shaping the psychological balance of the draw. Opponents will have to prepare for multiple Malaysian threats, each with different styles and strengths.
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