KUALA LUMPUR: Although it may be a one-off occurrence, BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky described world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's first-round exit at the French Open as "not good".
The Indonesian, who is also a former world champion, believes that his charges should live up to their reputation by avoiding early loss in a tournament.
Yesterday, world No 4 Aaron-Wooi Yik lost rather tamely, 21-13, 21-14, to China's rising pair Liang Wei Keng-Wang Zhang for their second straight defeat to the world No 37.
It was Aaron-Wooi Yik's first round loss in 21 months since they were beaten by compatriots Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong in the Thailand Open in January last year.
When asked if the Olympics bronze medallists' early exit was "okay", Rexy responded: "Of course, it's not good.
"As the world champions, they have to prove that they are worthy of the title.
"They should also go into a match with the confidence and mentality of world champions.
Rexy said he will get more details about Aaron-Wooi Yik from coach Tan Bin Shen when Bin Shen returns with the team from Europe.
"But from my initial assessment, I noticed that Aaron was not performing at his level best," said Rexy.
To be fair to Aaron-Wooi Yik, they have been one of the most consistent performers among the Malaysian shuttlers this year. They fared no worse than the semi-finals in nine of the 12 tournaments they entered.
But the fact remains that Aaron-Wooi Yik have yet to win a World Tour title since they first teamed up in late 2017.
For this year, they are left with one last chance to do so at the World Tour Finals in Guangzhou from Dec 14-18.