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Spicing Up the Sports Scene: Chia-Yik's Climb to the Top
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 - The Japan and China Opens in July could propel national men's doubles duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik to the pinnacle of badminton prowess – the world No. 1 ranking. This lofty achievement, if achieved, would not only be a career milestone but also enhance their seeding prospects at the upcoming world championships in Paris.
Herdy Iman Pierngadi, their head coach, shared his expectation that a strong performance at the Japan and China Opens could help Aaron and Wooi Yik seal the deal. But even if they aren't crowned the world's best yet, the second spot they're holding – a paltry 1,220 points behind Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani – could still work in their favor at the world championships.
However, Herdy emphasized that the No. 1 ranking is not their primary focus. Instead, their main objective revolves around preparedness and claiming titles at prestigious tournaments, such as the Japan Open (July 15-20) and China Open (July 22-27) – both of which present sit-and-take opportunities for the doubles pair to leapfrog their rivals.
The duo's ascent to No. 2 in the world ranking was validated despite an early exit at the 2025 Indonesia Open – marking a monumental achievement for Malaysian men's doubles badminton. Their coach Herdy has challenged them to aim even higher, pushing them to reach the No. 1 spot before the World Championships in Paris from August 25 to 31, 2025.
Achieving the No. 1 ranking ahead of the World Championships would be a significant step for Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, offering not only a career-defining moment but also better seeding for upcoming major tournaments, thereby improving their competitive prospects. Yet, the duo has made it clear that they prioritize winning titles over rankings, focusing on giving their best performance in each tournament they participate in.
With their eyes set on the No. 1 spot, the July tournaments present a golden opportunity for Aaron-Yik to cement their position as the world's best, or at the very least, bolster their chances of claiming the top spot before the year comes to an end.
In striving for the top, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik aim to seize the No. 1 ranking at the Japan and China Opens in July, potentially catapulting them into the world of tennis news in Malaysia and beyond. As the Kuala Lumpur-based duo nears the pinnacle, their sights are set on the coveted world No. 1 spot before the World Championships, slated for Paris in August. Yet, their primary focus remains on clinching titles at prestigious tournaments, such as the Japan Open and China Open, to bolster their sports credentials.
