Latest news with #SportsmenOfTheYear
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Aaron-Wooi Yik storm into Thai Open final
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik have now defeated Thailand's Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh in all three of their meetings. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : National men's doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik stayed on course for a second consecutive title by advancing to the Thailand Open final today. The world No 5 duo defeated Thailand's Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh 21-17, 21-13 in just 37 minutes, overcoming a vocal home crowd with a confident performance. This is their third win over the world No 16 Thai pair in as many BWF meetings. Aaron and Wooi Yik will face the winners of the semifinal clash between Indonesia's top pair, Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto, and Denmark's William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer in tomorrow's final. The champions will receive US$37,525 (RM161,130), while the runners-up will earn US$18,050 (RM77,500). Aaron and Wooi Yik, who were recently named Malaysia's 'Sportsmen of the Year', are aiming to end a 16-year title drought for Malaysia in the men's doubles at the Thailand Open. The last Malaysian winners were Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah in 2009. They are the only Malaysian pair to claim the title since the tournament began in 1984. A win tomorrow would also mark Aaron-Wooi Yik's second title of the season, following their victory at the Badminton Asia Championships in Zhejiang, China, last month. It would also be a memorable personal milestone as they have never won more than one title in a single year before.
Free Malaysia Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Free Malaysia Today
Aaron-Wooi Yik named 2024 National Sportsmen
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik earned the 2024 Sportsmen of the Year award after defending their Olympic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : National badminton stars Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were named National Sportsmen of the Year at the 2024 National Sports Awards (ASN). This is the second time the 2022 world champions have won the honour, beating contenders Lee Zii Jia (badminton), Mohamad Aniq Kasdan (weightlifting), Wong Weng Soon (wushu), and Latif Maxzakir (pencak silat). The pair, currently ranked fifth in the world, earned the recognition after defending their Olympic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a close win over Denmark's Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. They were unable to attend the ceremony as they are competing in the 2025 Thailand Open. Nor Farah Ain Abdullah made history as the first female lawn bowls athlete to be named National Sportswoman of the Year, following her gold medal at the 2024 World Indoor Bowls Championships in Guernsey. Sin Li Jane (bowling), Tan Cheong Min (wushu), Nurul Izzah Izzati (cycling), and Nor Farah Mazlan (pencak silat) were the other contenders for the award. Bonnie Bunyau Gustin was named National Paralympic Athlete for the third time after defending his gold medal in the 72kg category at the 2024 Paralympics. Hasmunirah Maliki, who won gold at the 2024 Para Lawn Bowls World Championship, was named National Female Paralympic Athlete. The National Men's Team Award went to the sepak takraw squad for their World Cup victories in the doubles and regu events, while the women's 10-pin bowling team was honoured as National Women's Team for their seven-medal haul at the 2024 Asian Championship. The ceremony also honoured prominent contributors to Malaysian sports. Melaka governor Ali Rustam received the Sports Figure Award for his leadership in martial arts. The Sports Leadership Award went to Sunny Si Poh Heng (Sarawak 10-Pin Bowling Association) and Norza Zakaria (Badminton Association of Malaysia). Special Award recipients included the Johor Motorsport Racing Team, Malaysian Deaf Sports Association, late sports commentator Hasbullah Awang, and Selangor Red Giants (e-sports).
