KUALA LUMPUR: Winning mentality alone may not guarantee success; maintaining momentum is equally crucial.
According to BA of Malaysia coaching director Rexy Mainaky, men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's early exit in the second round of the Kumamoto Masters last week might be because of this.
Last month, the world No. 2 ended their wait for a maiden World Tour title when they clinched the Super 750 Denmark Open crown in Odense.
However, due to an injury to Wooi Yik, the former world champions were forced to skip the Super 750 French Open. Aaron-Wooi Yik also withdrew from the Super 300 Korea Masters.
"From my observation, Aaron-Wooi Yik couldn't perform well in Japan because there was a break in their winning momentum after the Denmark Open.
"Aaron, especially, was not up to the mark. This is something we need to pay very close attention to," said Rexy, who hopes that Aaron-Wooi Yik will regain their form at the Super 750 China Masters this week.
The road won't be easy for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists, as they face compatriots Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in the first round.
World No. 12 Yew Sin-Ee Yi, also seeking to overcome a slump, reached the semi-finals last week in Japan, making them formidable opponents for Aaron-Wooi Yik.
For the record, Aaron-Wooi Yik are the only Malaysians shuttlers who have secured their place in next months World Tour Finals.
"Hopefully they will do well in China and then ride on that momentum.
"Next year will be most crucial," added Rexy.
The other Malaysian men's doubles in the fray for the China Masters are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.