There's a spring in Rexy's steps these days, thanks to our doubles shuttlers
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky with new BAM singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen during the press conference at Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.— MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: After seeing his shuttlers struggle for a breakthrough at home for years, doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky ( pic ) can finally afford to smile.
As Rexy watched on, men's doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun defeated teammates Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to capture the Malaysian Masters title at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.
The victory was a huge breakthrough for Malaysia as it ended a 12-year wait for a men's doubles title in the competition since Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah's triumph in 2013.
V Shem-Khim Wah also had been the last Malaysians to win a men's doubles title on home soil after they won the Malaysian Open in 2014.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun did come the closest to ending the drought in the 2023 Malaysian Masters but were denied by South Korea's Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-jae in the final.
This time, there was no stopping the pair as they made amends in front of the passionate home fans.
World No. 8 Wei Chong-Kai Wun's title win followed the success of mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, who ended a seven year-wait for a Malaysian winner in the home Masters last year.
Before Soon Huat-Shevon's breakthrough, 2017 winners Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing were the last Malaysians to capture the Masters crown while 2018 Malaysian Open champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei (men's singles) was the last to win at home.
Rexy was happy to see his charges triumph after overseeing years of disappointments.
'I know before this, many have been disappointed as we had no winners in the home tournament,' said Rexy.
'This time, there was an all-Malaysian men's doubles final after 12 years, so this is something positive.
'I can see many changes in our pairs. Previously, they were relying more on strength and speed but now they can adapt their game to different situations on court.
'Our players are getting better at controlling their emotions and placing the shuttle.
'We can't be too satisfied though as we need to make sure our players stay confident moving forward,' added Rexy.
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