Revenge for Aaron-Wooi Yik, regret for world No. 1 Sze Fei-Izzuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik exacted sweet revenge on compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to book a spot in the Singapore Open semi-finals on Friday.
The world No. 3, beaten by Wei Chong-Kai Wun in last week's Malaysia Masters final, needed just 33 minutes to settle the score with a 22-20, 21-17 win in the quarter-finals.
However, hopes of an all-Malaysian semi-final were dashed after world No. 1 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani suffered a shock 21-17, 21-15 defeat to India's world No. 27 and reigning Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty.
Aaron-Wooi Yik are now the last Malaysians standing and will face the Indian pair for a place in Sunday's final.
It will be their fourth consecutive semi-final, having won the Badminton Asia Championships last month and the Thailand Open two weeks ago.
"We're more mature now, and we've improved, but there's still room for growth," said Wooi Yik.
"We know Wei Chong-Kai Wun well, so it was about executing better today, and we did."
Aaron credited their resurgence to the guidance of national coach Herry IP.
"Herry has been excellent for us. It's still a work in progress, but we're hoping for more," said Aaron.
"The first game was crucial. We were lucky to take it, and after that, we stayed calm and composed."
Aaron-Wooi Yik will start as favourites against Satwiksairaj-Chirag, having won nine of their 12 meetings, including their last clash at the Paris Olympics last year.
"Satwiksairaj-Chirag haven't played much since Paris due to injuries, so we're not sure about their current form," said Wooi Yik.
"But we'll give it our best and see how it goes."
Meanwhile, women's doubles hopes ended after world No. 4 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah fell 14-21, 24-22, 21-14 to China's world No. 11 Jia Yi Fan-Zheng Shu Xian in the quarter-finals.
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