KUALA LUMPUR: National men's pair Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri have proved that winning the Syed Modi International title on Sunday was no fluke.
The question now is can they move up the ranks quickly with more consistent performances?
En route to being crowned champions in Lucknow, India, the world No. 93 Malaysians upset not one but three top ranked 25 pairs, including a stunning come-from-behind 18-21, 21-18, 21-16 win over Japan's Akira Koga-Taichi Saito in the final.
BAM coaching director, Rexy Mainaky said while it's always nice to see his charges doing well on the international stage. the Indonesian former world and Olympic champion demands more from the players.
Rexy said: "Take nothing away from Hon Jian-Haikal for winning the Syed Modi title. They did very well indeed.
"Moving forward, it's crucial to stay consistent.
"My challenge to these new pairs — Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, Hon Jian-Haikal, as well as Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, is to prove themselves.
"Can they play at the highest level week in week out?
"As coaches, we want to see all our charges doing well."
Rexy said pairs like Roy King-Arif, Hon Jian-Haikal, and Sze Fei-Izzuddin still have plenty to prove if they want to be considered for next year's Thomas Cup squad.
"Sure they have a chance of making the squad but they will need to prove themselves. We cannot get carried away with one or two titles.
"For men's doubles, we still have Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, as the top three Malaysian pairs.
"The new pairs will need to fight for their place. There will be many tournaments next year for them to prove themselves and convince the coaches,"added Rexy.
Hon Jian-Haikal are well aware of what is expected of them. In an interview with BAM, the duo admitted they will need to play consistently, and not just be a one-hit-wonder.
Their next assignment is the Guwahati Masters in Assam, India, which gets underway tomorrow.