Badminton

Top spot opens up for Aaron-Wooi Yik

KUALA LUMPUR: The misfortunes of others may sometimes be a blessing in disguise, according to BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky.

Commenting on the recent fallout between Indonesian top doubles shuttler Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and his coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, Rexy said it is an opportunity for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to move up the world rankings.

After holding on to their world No 1 spot for five years, Kevin and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon recently slid down to No 3. However, this was not before news of trouble brewing in the Indonesian men's doubles department.

On top of that, reigning Olympic champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan, who moved up to world No 2 yesterday, have split.

Rexy said: "I know we don't have to wait until a pair go their separate ways or if there is trouble elsewhere, but this is an opportunity (to move up the ranking).

"In this situation, I want our pairs to take their chances.

"Aaron-Wooi Yik are very committed to becoming the world No 1, this can be a motivation for them to achieve their dreams."

While there has been no confirmation on the matter, it is understood that Marcus and Kevin will go their separate ways be split up after the latter came out with a statement that he can no longer work with his coach Herry.

Based on the latest BWF rankings, former world champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of Japan have moved up to World No 1, while Indonesia's three-time world champions Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan are at No 4, followed by Aaron-Wooi Yik.

Independent pair, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi are at No 9, one rung above Sze Fei-Izzuddin.

"I am very happy with Aaron-Wooi Yik. Despite winning the World Championships, they still give their 100 per cent commitment and are still hungry for more. They want to prove that they are no one-hit wonders.

"The same can be said about Sze Fei-Izzuddin. The attitude shown by our pairs is very positive," added Rexy.

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