KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) – National men's doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi admitted that a major shake-up involving the national men's doubles pairing was a risk his side was taking.
Herry described the action, including separating 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, as a bold step that needed to be taken to find the best combination and hopefully achieve good results ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA 2028) qualification campaign next year.
"We really have to be brave enough to take that risk. If we don't dare to try, the results will be more or less the same.
"Almost all other countries will probably do the same (reshuffle). This move is a risk that we have taken into account,” he told reporters after a training session here, today.
Last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced the reshuffle involving Wooi Yik who will be paired with Man Wei Chong for the 2026 Japan Open from July 14-19.
For the next series of tournaments, namely the China Open (July 21-26), Taiwan Open (July 28-Aug 2) and Korea Open (Nov 3-8), BAM has also set several new combinations involving national players.
Aaron will be paired with young player Aaron Tai, while Tee Kai Wun will be paired with Yap Roy King.
In addition, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi will form a partnership with Kang Khai Xing, while the Wooi Yik-Wei Chong pair is also listed to face all three tournaments.
BAM also announced that Aaron-Kai Wun is expected to bring the country's challenge to face the European Tour tournament expected to be held in October
Meanwhile, Herry insisted that there was no disagreement between Aaron and Wooi Yik but their separation was due to their performances this season.
The two-time Olympic men's doubles bronze medallist has failed to win any titles and has only finished runner-up twice at the Malaysia Open and the All England from nine appearances this year.
Asked about the targets set for the new pair in the upcoming tournament, the Indonesian coach certainly wants to see them record good results but needs to look at the draw first.
-- BERNAMA
