Kuala Lumpur: On Friday, the Japanese government has expanded the coronavirus state of emergency from six areas to nine, including Tokyo. The latest declaration came as Japan grappled with a surge of a more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics are due to start on July 23.
Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia’s World No. 9 men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik have been moving full steam ahead with preparations for the Tokyo Games.
The men’s doubles head coach of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, Flandy Limpele was hoping Chia/Soh who had received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, could achieve greater consistency in performance.
“Everything is ready for the Tokyo Olympics, both mentally and physically,” said Limpele.
“But, there is still work to be done on their fitness level, and we are focusing on improving that,” added Limpele.
“Every day we’re fully focused on our training, I believe we’re ready,” continued Limpele.
Recently, Aaron Chia admitted that the postponement of the Malaysia Open had impacted him and Soh Wooi Yik of becoming a seeded pair at the Tokyo Olympics.
The pair is currently ranked ninth in the Race to Tokyo rankings, and they must be at least in the top eight in order to become a seeded pair in the Tokyo Games.
The last tournament Chia/Soh competed in was at the Swiss Open in March, where they lost to World No. 19 Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel of Germany 13-21, 21-13, 16-21 in the semi-finals.
They did not participate at the 2021 All England which took place after the Swiss Open.
