Aaron-Wooi Yik must change up routine against Indian duo: badminton greats

KUALA LUMPUR – National top-ranked men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik need to change up their game in the World Championships semis later today, said badminton great Datuk James Selvaraj.

Speaking to The Vibes, he said Aaron-Wooi must not be comfortable with their position after each win, as their next opponents are bound to be in better form.

“Today, Aaron-Wooi Yik played a lot of flat or parallel shots. When they gave parallel shots, it hardly gave the opponents a chance to win a point.

“That is the style of game they should play.

“They must also realise, just because their tricks worked in the quarter-finals, it does not mean they will work again in the next match. 

“So, they should change up their gameplay as and when,” Selvaraj said.

Selvaraj, who is also formerly BAM high-performance director, added as they inch closer to the finals, the sixth-ranked pair must re-strategies each of their games and not let their previous wins get in the way of their focus.

Meanwhile, another badminton great, Datuk Razif Sidek, echoed Selvaraj, saying that it is crucial for Aaron-Wooi Yik to carry on their winning momentum.

Despite the pair showing much better form yesterday, he said that they looked to be struggling to maintain that character.

“Today, they were in much better focus, rhythm, and consistency. They just need to maintain all these, and I am sure they can progress into the finals.

“However, I can see that they are struggling to prove themselves, but they have been carrying quite a heavy burden to be the best.

“As long as they maintain their performance and control the pressure, they can get to where they wish to be,” Razif said yesterday.

Aaron-Wooi Yik contributed a winning point for Malaysia during the Commonwealth mixed team finals when they defeated India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty.

Rankireddy-Shetty are a force to be reckoned with. 

At the World Championships quarter-finals yesterday, they upset Japan’s Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, who were five ranks higher.

Aaron-Wooi Yik and Rankireddy-Shetty have sealed their fate to clash again in the semi-finals today at 11am.

They have never won against the Malaysian pair in all their five meetings. – The Vibes, August 27, 2022