KUALA LUMPUR – Competing against teammates is something no athlete in any sport relishes.
They spend entire days training together and, in some cases, even share living quarters and meals, fostering enduring camaraderie and unbreakable bonds.
On the competitive side, teammates provide invaluable competition, aiding each other’s growth and success.
However, facing off in a competition can complicate matters.
This was the scenario for Malaysia’s men’s doubles teams, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, in the second round of the Malaysia Open yesterday.
Aaron said situations in training and competition will always differ.
They need to be cautious even when familiar with each other’s game.
“Even though we know each other’s game well, during the competition we still have to be wary of each other.
“You have to prepare a different gameplay when you meet them,” he said.
Wooi Yik added that he always feels heavy-hearted when facing teammates, as he dreams of seeing them progress together despite the unavoidable competition.
“I want us to succeed together because we train hard every day, but unfortunately we have to face each other. So we had to prove ourselves.
“Both pairs did well, but we were more consistent,” he said.
Sze Fei realises that this is a common occurrence in sports.
As such, he said it is important for an individual to prepare for a triumphant outcome.
“It is up to the pair themselves, whoever is more prepared will triumph. We have to give our 100% in court no matter who we face,” he said. – January 12, 2024