Korean kings and countrymen stand in Aaron-Wooi Yik's way in Paris

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have singled out South Korea's Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae as their biggest hurdle in the quest for a second world title at the Paris World Championships from August 25-31.
World No 1 Won Ho-Seung Jae only joined forces in January but have already stormed to five titles on the World Tour.
The South Koreans are top seeds, with world No 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik seeded second and projected to meet them in the final at the Adidas Arena on Aug 31.
Aaron, who won the 2022 world title in Tokyo with Wooi Yik, said they are preparing specifically to face the Koreans at the same venue where they took bronze at the Paris Olympics last year.
"It's hard to predict men's doubles right now as there are many strong pairs, but everyone knows how well Won Ho-Seung Jae are playing," said Aaron.
"They've only been together for several months and are already the world No 1, so they are definitely our toughest opponents at the moment. We played in the same arena last year, so hopefully we can perform well again but with a better result this time."
Aaron also warned of threats closer to home, with independent world No 3 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, world No 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, and world No 22 Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King all potential obstacles.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are the third seeds, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun are seeded seventh.
Arif-Roy King are unseeded but in form after winning the Macau Open last week.
All three Malaysian pairs have captured World Tour titles this year — Sze Fei-Izzuddin at the India Open, Wei Chong-Kai Wun at the Indonesia and Malaysia Masters, and Arif-Roy King in Macau.
"There are more Malaysian pairs in the mix now, and honestly, facing our own teammates can be just as tough," added Aaron.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have been revitalised since the arrival of Indonesian coach Herry IP as men's doubles head coach in February.
Under the guidance of the 'Magician', they have won the Badminton Asia Championships as well as the Thailand and Singapore Opens this year — form they hope will power them to a second world crown in Paris.