THE mouth-watering final between Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Indonesia's Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan at the World Championships tomorrow will be the biggest yet for BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky to manage since his arrival late last year.
Speaking to Timesport today following Aaron-Wooi Yik's sensational 20-22, 21-18, 21-16 semi-final victory over India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, Rexy pointed out that he never once doubted the ability of his charges to rise to the occasion.
Rexy, however, noted that the outcome of tomorrow's final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium is beyond anyone, except for the world No 6 Aaron-Wooi Yik.
Looking to the heavens for inspiration, Rexy said: "In every victory, I praise God, and I honestly prayed very hard
for Aaron-Wooi Yik to break their semi-final jinx.
"The semi-final match today was a battle of nerves because, on one side, Aaron-Wooi Yik had to come out of their rut, while the Indians were also all out to record their first-ever win over our pair.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik came out tops because they handled the pressure better."
Rexy, who has been critical of Aaron-Wooi Yik's performance in the past, reiterated that now is not the right time to put more pressure on them, especially when they're on the verge of making history by becoming Malaysia's first badminton world champions.
"I want Aaron-Wooi Yik to cool down after the semi-final match. Now is not the time to stress them any further.
"There is no need to talk about expectations, they know it already.
"The key to the title depends on their focus," added Rexy.
Aaron-Wooi Yik, known as the 'nearly men' of Malaysian badminton, have only won thrice against three-time champions Ahsan-Hendra. However, if previous records are anything to go by, the Malaysians have won two of their last encounters against the seasoned Indonesian duo, including the bronze medal playoff at last year's Tokyo Olympics.
Historically, both pairs have plenty to play for, with much bragging rights at stake.
BAM high performance director Dr Tim Jones said: "There is a lot of history between these pairs, from the All
England final (2019) to the Tokyo Olympics last year.
"After the tough match today, which lasted for more than an hour, recovery is vital. I am happy that we have members of the National Sports Institute (NSI) to assist with that.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik have the playing style to really challenge for the title tomorrow, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Earlier, Ahsan-Hendra, the champions in 2013, 2015 and 2019, were also involved in a three-game thriller against their younger compatriots Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto, winning 23-21, 12-21, 21-16 in 52 minutes.
It will also be Ahsan-Hendra's fourth appearance in a World Championships final.