Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysia Open 2024 is just around the corner, and badminton fans across the globe are buzzing with excitement. But for Malaysian badminton enthusiasts, there’s an extra special reason to tune in: the electrifying presence of several Malaysian players, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Lee Zii Jia, and Ng Tze Yong.
Ranked fourth in the world, Aaron Chia expressed his desire for a more consistent performance with his partner Soh Wooi Yik compared to last year as they aim for the coveted world number one title.
“Hoping for a good start to the first tournament of the year. For me, it’s important for us to perform well on our home turf. That has always been our goal. But when the time comes… it comes. If I say too much, people will comment that I always want to be number one… just talking,” Aaron stated.
“That’s why I don’t like to talk about goals. For me, if I talk about goals, that would seem inappropriate for some people. If I don’t talk, it’s also not right. Later, if I say I want to be a champion… (then) can’t, it’s not right. If I talk about goals up to the quarter-finals, people will say we only aim for the quarter-finals,” said Chia.
“So that’s why I don’t like to mention it and only focus and play hard,” Chia told the Malaysian media after a training session on Tuesday.
In the upcoming Malaysia Open, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik is scheduled to face Denmark’s pair, Rasmus Kjær/Frederik Søgaard, in the first round – opponents ranked 22nd in the world whom they have never encountered before.
For the record, in last year’s Malaysia Open, Chia/Soh exited in the second round after losing to the Chinese pair, Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan Yi, 10-21, 21-23.
The best result for Chia/Soh at the Malaysia Open was in 2022, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to the Japanese pair, Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi, 21-23, 9-21.
