Latest news with #BAofMalaysia
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Fire Dragon' Herry IP to face wrath of Indonesian fans at Istora Senayan
KUALA LUMPUR: The Istora Senayan in Jakarta is a venue most non-Indonesian shuttlers dread — and this week, national men's doubles coach Herry IP could face the full wrath of its passionate crowd. Herry, who once produced some of Indonesia's greatest men's doubles stars, is now plotting their downfall as he attempts to lead Malaysia to their first men's doubles title at the Indonesia Open in 15 years. The man known as the Fire Dragon is no stranger to the Istora — once his favourite battleground. But this time, he returns as the enemy. Since joining the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in February, Herry's impact has been electric, guiding national pairs to four consecutive titles on the World Tour since April. Unsurprisingly, his decision to cross over to Malaysia has not gone down well in Indonesia. With the once-dominant Indonesian pairs struggling for form, some fans are pointing fingers at Herry for their downfall. But the veteran coach insists he has no regrets. "It's normal for a coach to face these tough situations," Herry to Timesport. "I just have to enjoy the atmosphere. I'm not worried about the pressure. I've always said I'm a professional and will give my best to the national men's pairs I'm now coaching." Herry had steered Indonesia's men's doubles to nine home titles before moving to Malaysia. But now his mission is to end Malaysia's long drought — the last success coming from Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari in 2008. There's reason for hope. World No. 3 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are in fine form ahead of the Super 1000 event, which begins Tuesday. Aaron-Wooi Yik have already bagged three titles this year and are entering their fourth tournament in as many weeks. Fatigue could be a factor as they open against Denmark's world No. 16 Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard before a potential second-round showdown with India's 2023 Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty (No. 27). The Malaysians recently beat the Indian pair in the Singapore Open semi-finals. Wei Chong-Kai Wun, meanwhile, have a more favourable path, beginning with Americans Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith (No. 33), and likely facing compatriots Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King (No. 23) for a place in the quarter-finals. Top seeds and world No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, an independent pair, should have little trouble overcoming Taiwan's Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen (No. 20) in their opener. Also flying the Malaysian flag are Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong (No. 28) and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 32).
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aaron-Wooi Yik seek 'Fire Dragon' magic in Super 1000 hunt in Jakarta
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore Open champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have credited national coach Herry IP for their impressive run of form as they eye their first Super 1000 crown at this week's Indonesia Open. The world No. 3 underlined their class by overcoming South Korea's world No. 10 Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae 15-21, 21-18, 21-19 in a thrilling final on Sunday to capture their third title of the season, adding to their triumphs at the Badminton Asia Championships and the Thailand Open. Aaron was quick to heap praise on Herry, who has transformed them into a formidable force since joining the national set-up earlier this year. "We're glad to be this consistent, and we have to credit coach Herry for our recent success. He has really polished our game," said Aaron after their Singapore Open win. "We're more confident now when it comes to executing our strategy." Herry, dubbed the 'Fire Dragon', was initially criticised after the men's pairs crashed out in the first round of the All England — a result he himself described as his worst coaching experience. But the Indonesian tactician has since worked his magic. Under his guidance, not only have Aaron-Wooi Yik lifted three titles, but world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also claimed the Malaysia Masters title recently — beating their more experienced compatriots in the final. Wei Chong-Kai Wun had also won the Indonesia Masters in January, a month before Herry officially joined the BA of Malaysia (BAM). A tired but confident national squad now head to the Indonesia Open, which begins on Tuesday in Jakarta, hoping Herry can help end the nation's long wait for a men's doubles title — the last being Fairuzizuan Tazari-Zakry Latif's win in 2008.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah too predictable, must change strategy, says ex-shuttler
KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have become too predictable and must make drastic changes to their strategy and gameplay if they want to remain competitive on the World Tour, warns former international Datuk James Selvaraj. James said the rise of new combinations from China, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia could make life increasingly difficult for the world No. 4, especially at top-tier events like the Super 750 and Super 1000 tournaments, as well as the Olympics, World Championships and Asian Games. He also urged caution following their Thailand Open triumph two weeks ago, noting that only Indonesia's world No. 9 Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi, apart from Pearly-Thinaah, featured from the world's top 10 in that Super 500 event. "Pearly-Thinaah have started losing to a number of new pairs recently. They're also struggling to beat the world's top-three pairs," said James. "They've become too predictable and need to rethink their game. Their coach Rosman Razak may have to revamp their training, introduce new tactics and push for better shot quality and variation if they want to compete with the elite." "They're focused on reducing unforced errors, which is good, but without improving the sharpness of their game and shaking things up tactically, they're going to continue to struggle." Pearly-Thinaah have a poor record against the current top pairs: Tey trail 7-3 against China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning and 13-1 against Japan's world No. 2 Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida. They have also lost all three of their matches to South Korea's world No. 10 Hwang Ye Jeong-Kong Hee Yong, while the emerging Chinese pair Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian, ranked No. 11, have already beaten them three times in four encounters, including in the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open on Friday. James also advised the pair to remain with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) instead of going independent. "I believe they can still improve under BAM. I don't think Rosman is willing to leave the national set-up to coach them independently," he said. "BAM should provide them with the flexibility and support they need to make the necessary changes. I doubt they'll get the same level of resources and structure if they strike out on their own." The pair are reportedly seeking a better deal in their new contract. BAM, however, claim they have already offered an attractive package. The contract wrangle is expected to be settled after the Super 1000 Indonesia Open, which begins on Tuesday. Sheng Shu-Tan Ning and Matsuyama-Shida are both returning to action in Jakarta and will be among the top threats as Pearly-Thinaah play their fourth tournament in as many weeks.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sze Fei-Izzuddin warned being world No. 1 is just the beginning
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Razif Sidek has questioned whether newly crowned world No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are struggling to cope with the weight of expectations at the top. The men's doubles pair suffered another blow on Friday, falling in the Singapore Open quarter-finals to Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty of India, extending their run of five consecutive events without a semi-final appearance. "They're not handling the pressure well," said Razif bluntly. "Becoming world No. 1 is easier than staying there. Everyone wants to beat you once you're on top, and they look like they're struggling to deal with that." The Malaysians soared to world No. 1 on May 27 after winning three World Tour titles since turning professional and leaving the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in September last year. But their form has dipped since lifting the Super 750 India Open in January, with recent defeats and early exits raising concerns. Razif, who famously topped the world rankings in 1990 with his brother Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek, believes the pair have lost their spark and need to urgently regroup. "They need to check and balance everything. Re-strategise, and figure out how to maintain their performance," he added. "They used to be sharp and dangerous. Now, they're looking a little lost." Razif pointed out that tough draws in recent tournaments may have contributed, but insisted there's no excuse for the lack of intensity. "They're an attacking pair. That requires power, endurance and consistency, and I don't see that right now," said the former All England champion. "They've clearly dropped off physically. They're not as offensive as they were post-Paris Olympics. Pressure may be one part of it, but they need to meet the physical demands that come with being the best." Sze Fei-Izzuddin will head into the Indonesia Open Super 1000 in Jakarta next week as the top seeds with a target on their backs. They open against Taiwan's world No. 20 Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen, and are expected to face China's Xi Hao Nan-Zheng Wei Han (No. 30) and Indonesia's Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza Isfahani (No. 8) before reaching the business end. For now, Razif's message is clear — being No. 1 is not the finish line, it's just the beginning.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Yeoh hopes to see all-Malaysian doubles final at LA2028
KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes that Malaysia's men's doubles pairs will be able to maintain their fine form until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA2028). Fans were treated to an all-Malaysian men's doubles final at the Malaysia Masters yesterday (May 25) which saw Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun upsetting higher ranked duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to claim the title. It was Malaysia's first men's doubles title win at the Malaysia Masters in 12 years. Yeoh was visibly pleased with both pairs' performances throughout the week. "Yesterday was a good day for Malaysian badminton. Our performances, especially in the men's doubles events, have been improving," said Yeoh today (May 26). "With there being a new coach (Herry IP) and the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, I am confident we can continue to help them achieve many more successes. "My hope is that when we reach LA2028, we will have both (Malaysian) pairs in the final so there will be no pressure. "We want the gold and we also want the silver." Yeoh added that she was also pleased with professionals Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei who are expected to become the new world No. 1 men's doubles pair this week. "Of course I am happy for both Izzuddin and Sze Fei," said Yeoh. Yeoh again reminded players to consider all factors before deciding whether to remain under the BA of Malaysia (BAM) programme or turn professional. "As I have said before, I hope all badminton players will think carefully before deciding whether to remain with BAM or turn professional. There are many factors to consider," said Yeoh. "The advantage of being within the BAM programme is that the players have many good sparring partners (to train with). "Outside (professional), there are less sparring partners and this can affect their performances. "I have asked the new BAM president (Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz) to see how we can create a better ecosystem for the players." On a separate note, Yeoh said she considers the Axiata Arena's leaky roof issue to be resolved. "I have not discussed the matter with Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. I was there for the finals yesterday (Malaysia Masters) and consider the matter to be resolved," said Yeoh. The Axiata Arena's leaky roof had halted play during the earlier rounds of the Malaysia Masters last week. Yeoh was speaking after officiating the launch of the Drug Free Youth Campaign awareness video in Kuala Lumpur today in cooperation with TGV Cinemas. TGV Cinemas will from now be screening a short drug awareness video before movies are shown at their cinemas nationwide. This is to create greater awareness regarding the dangers of recreational drug use.
