KUALA LUMPUR – World No. 2 Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are just one step away from claiming their elusive maiden Super 1000 title after powering into the final of the China Open in Changzhou today.
The former world champions were at their clinical best, dispatching India’s top duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in straight games 21-13, 21-17 in the semi-finals.
It will be Aaron and Wooi Yik’s sixth Super 1000 final appearance, and if form is any indication, they might finally break their duck.
However, standing in their way tomorrow is an unfamiliar Indonesian scratch pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.
While Aaron and Wooi Yik are the clear favourites on paper, their opponents are unpredictable and have impressed throughout the tournament. The Malaysian former world champions have never faced them as a combination, making this final far from straightforward.
“They are a scratch pair so it won’t be easy,” Wooi Yik told the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“We don’t have much gameplay to study from them, and that makes preparation tricky. We just have to trust each other, believe in our plan, and give everything on court.”
Aaron echoed the sentiment, saying: “What matters is who is more consistent, and who is brave enough to step up during crucial points. That will decide the match.”
The Malaysians have not dropped a single game all week in Changzhou. Their performance against the Indian pair, who they had also beaten in the semi-finals of the Singapore Open in May, showed they are playing with renewed confidence and tactical sharpness.
“I think we are slowly getting back on track after the two early exits recently. This result is a good sign for us,” said Aaron.
The pair are riding on momentum, but are cautious not to get ahead of themselves.
Badminton Association of Malaysia doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky praised their composure and refused to reveal too much ahead of the final.
“We’re one match away from winning the title, so I don’t want to say too much. Aaron and Wooi Yik are doing well and I just want them to stay focused all the way.” Rexy told Scoop when contacted.
Tomorrow’s final is more than just a title match, it is a test of resolve, strategy, and mental steel. If Aaron and Wooi Yik can hold their nerve and adapt quickly to their opponents’ unpredictability, they might finally lift the one title that has long eluded them. – July 26, 2025