KUCHING: Malaysia’s wait for a men’s doubles title at the Malaysia Open Super 1000 will continue after Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were narrowly defeated by South Korea’s Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho in a tense final at Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Jan 11).
Unlike previous encounters, the Malaysian pair pushed the Koreans to their limits, making them run for every point with relentless persistence, a strategy that kept the match in the balance until the final rally.
The world No. 2 duo dropped the first set 21-15 but bounced back decisively in the second, dominating 21-12 to force a decider.
In the final set, both sides battled fiercely, but the Koreans edged out Aaron and Wooi Yik 21-18 in a match decided by the slimmest of margins after a tense exchange of blows.
Although they fell just short of the title, the Malaysians captured the hearts of spectators and fans alike with their determination, grit, and never-say-die spirit.
Their performance was a testament to how far Malaysian men’s doubles badminton has come and a promise of more to come in the future.
The drought continues, a 12-year wait since Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah last lifted the trophy in 2014, but Aaron and Wooi Yik’s fighting spirit ensured that the home crowd left the arena feeling inspired.
