In a significant triumph, Malaysian badminton duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik emerged victorious in a thrilling match against the formidable Chinese pair, Liu Yu Chen and Ou Xuan Yi, during the World Championships held in Copenhagen. As the fourth-seeded team in the championship, Aaron and Wooi Yik secured their spot in the semifinals after a nail-biting clash, which culminated in a scoreline of 21-11, 15-21, and 21-14.
Although the Chinese duo managed to make a comeback by winning the second set 15-21, Aaron and Wooi Yik capitalized on their experience as the fourth-ranked pair globally to dominate the decisive third set. With a commendable performance, they achieved a 21-14 victory, a stark departure from their previous track record against Yu Chen and Xuan Yi.
Remarkably, this win marked the end of a string of defeats for Aaron and Wooi Yik against the seventh-ranked world pair, showcasing their growth and determination. Their exceptional form was evident as they had recently triumphed over the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions from Taiwan, Lee Yang and Wang Chi Lin, in the third round, which bolstered their confidence to defend their championship title from the prior season.
As the sole remaining hope for Malaysia, Aaron and Wooi Yik hold the responsibility of bringing home a medal. Their historic achievement as the first Malaysians to enter the World Championships as defending champions adds to the pressure, making their performance all the more significant. In a hard-fought quarterfinal match against the Chinese sixth seeds, the Malaysian pair showcased their prowess, ultimately securing a narrow victory with scores of 21-10, 15-21, and 21-14. This victory guarantees at least a bronze medal for Malaysia and represents a monumental milestone as it marked the first time Aaron and Wooi Yik emerged victorious in their four encounters with Liu and Ou.