KUALA LUMPUR — Former national badminton ace Datuk James Selvaraj praised the steady progress that men’s doubles duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have displayed at the Badminton World Championships happening in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Aaron and Wooi Yik will take on Seo Seung-jae and Kang Min-hyuk from South Korea tonight in the semifinals at the Royal Arena.
James says that the world number four pair showed some signs of being rattled and lacking confidence having arrived at this year’s championships with the title of defending champions.
“They are playing much better and they are communicating and talking to each other on what they should do.
“Both of them are really understanding of each other’s game and when they should attack.
“The boys are also employing the right strategy as they have reduced their defensive strokes, they are not lifting the shuttlecock so much,” said James.
The former national champion said the pair are taking things one game at a time and are playing very well at the moment.
They should not break their rhythm and keep doing the same things that have brought them to the final.
“They cannot change their game, they are playing well they should keep the same strategy and focus on the opponent’s mistakes.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik are playing confidently… they’re talking and helping each other in the court, that is very important,” said James.
The pressure to defend a world title is different than trying to win one, but James added that so far Aaron and Wooi Yik have done well to withstand it and still come on top.
“They are the defending champions so everybody has their sights on them.
“Every player feels pressure, even (men’s singles) Victor Axelsen (Denmark) felt pressure and lost to H. S. Prannoy (India).
“It is a matter of how you focus your game and get into the rhythm, if they lose so be it… but they are playing well so they should concentrate on playing and not think about the pressure,” said James.
Barcelona Olympics bronze medallist Datuk Razif Sidek too is of the opinion that Aaron and Wooi Yik are peaking at the right time in Copenhagen.
“They have shown a steady improvement from the first round.
“Getting to the semifinals is a good result for them, it would be even better if they can win tonight and have a chance to defend their world title.
“Looking at how they have been playing they have a good chance to win,” he said.
Razif added that even if the pair lost tonight it will still be a good showing from the pair.
“They have not really shone in previous tournaments so when they reach the semis or even better the final it is a good sign.
“It’s just they have never won a tournament before this. In order to win they need a good strategy because they already have the fighting spirit,” said Razif.
Last year’s world championship is still the sole title in Aaron and Wooi Yik’s trophy cabinet so far.
When asked why the pair seem to turn it up the World Championships the Thomas Cup winner says he does not have the answer.
“I myself don’t understand why they only play well at the World Championships.
“Their performance here (World Championships) seems to be better than other tournaments.
“It is very evident that they really want to win at this tournament more than others,” said Razif. — August 26, 2023
