Malaysia Masters: Wei Chong's Status Still Uncertain

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) – National men's doubles shuttler Man Wei Chong remains doubtful for the 2026 Malaysia Masters from May 19 to 24 as he continues recovering from a knee injury.

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said a decision on whether Wei Chong will compete can only be made based on the player's recovery progress.

He said the situation has also cast doubt over Wei Chong's participation in the 2026 Singapore Open from May 26 to 31.

“We have to monitor the progress of his recovery this week and next week to determine whether he is fit to play in the Malaysia Masters or not.

“Even the Singapore Open remains uncertain. If he has not fully recovered by the Malaysia Masters, we may also skip the Singapore Open,” he told reporters recently. 

Rexy acknowledged that injuries are a common risk in competitive sports, but believes players need full confidence from the coaching team and medical officers before returning to compete at their best level.

He said the monitoring of the injury has been fully entrusted to the team's doctors and physiotherapists before a final decision on the player's status is made ahead of the tournament.

Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun won the Malaysia Masters title last year after defeating fellow Malaysians and 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the final.

Rexy hopes the national men's doubles pairs will once again deliver a commendable performance on home ground through both the senior and back-up pairs set to compete in the tournament.

As for mixed doubles, he said expectations will naturally be on the country's top pair, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, while he is also keen to see the potential of the new pairing of Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin.

“We hope at least last year's achievement can be repeated, like the men's doubles having an all-Malaysian final. We should not depend solely on key players because I also want to see the capabilities of other players when competing in major tournaments.

“So far, many have only managed to reach the second round or quarter-finals. Therefore, playing on home ground should serve as motivation for them to show that they are not only good in training but also in competition,” he said.

-- BERNAMA