'Others must fight for world title, not just Aaron-Wooi Yik'
While Malaysia will continue to bank on former world champions and Olympic bronze medallists Aaron-Wooi Yik at the world meet on Aug 25-31 in Paris, Rexy Mainaky has urged their national teammates to share the responsibility in the fight for honours.
The national doubles coaching director said while he still has much faith in world No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik, he wants the other BAM pairs — world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and world No. 22 Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King — to aim for the title too.
Malaysia are the only country with four pairs, including independents Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, the world No. 3, besides the three BAM pairs, at the World Championships.
Rexy said it's not about Malaysia having the numbers, but more importantly, their players must have the champion's mindset.
He feels that South Korea's world No. 1 Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae are still the favourites in Paris, even though they lost to Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri in the China Open quarter-finals last month. The Indonesians went on to win the title, beating Aaron-Wooi Yik.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik are not going to be champions forever. So, all our pairs must do their part to fight for the title at the World Championships," said Rexy.
He said the fact that Won Ho-Seung Jae lost to Fajar-Shohibul at the China Open means the current level at the top is about the same.
"We have four pairs, but this doesn't mean we will secure the title. It's not about the numbers nor the training alone.
"It's the players' mindset — to ensure every detail including avoiding illness and injuries, diet, and proper rest — that will be crucial towards success in Paris."
Rexy pointed out that Seung Jae and his former partner, Kang Min Hyuk, were rated as the best after winning the 2023 world title in Copenhagen, but their partnership broke up after they failed to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"People used to say Min Hyuk-Seung Jae were the best, but what has happened now? They have been split and this shows nothing is permanent.
"All our pairs are on equal terms with other top pairs and we have to be ready to battle with rivals from South Korea, China, Indonesia and Japan."
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