ANN/THE STAR – Using the right strategy is the key to another glorious run in the World Championships, believes Soh Wooi Yik.
The national men’s doubles shuttler is preparing to defend his historic title along with Aaron Chia at the world meet from August 21-27 in Copenhagen.
While under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead, Wooi Yik feels adopting the right approach will be important for their chances.
“Aaron and I really want to defend our title but we know it won’t be easy,” Wooi Yik said.
“Now, we are focusing on adopting the right strategy for the tournament.
“At this level, skills are not as important as using the correct approach.
“We are also looking to improve on where we went wrong in previous tournaments.”
Wooi Yik acknowledged that all eyes will be on the pair, who will be the first Malaysian representatives to attempt to defend the world crown.
“We know that all our opponents will be studying our game,” said Wooi Yik.
“Even in previous competitions, other pairs have been after our scalps.
“As the defending champions, we need to be able to handle the scrutiny.”
World number four Aaron-Wooi Yik received a first-round bye in the tournament and will likely play Denmark’s world number 31 Jeppe Bay-Lasse Molhede in the second round.
A win could see them face Taiwan’s reigning Olympics champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi-lin in the third round.
While all attention will be on Aaron-Wooi Yik, independent pair and world number eight Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi will also be looking to make their presence felt.
Yew Sin-Ee Yi’s best achievement at the world meet was winning a bronze medal in 2021 in Huelva, Spain.
This time, the duo’s first big test could come in the third round against Denmark’s experienced world number 11 pair Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
Another Malaysian representative will be Taiwan Open winners Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, promoted from the reserves list. World number 25 Wei Chong-Kai Wun will play world number 32 Lucas Corvee-Ronan Labar of France in the first round.
