Aaron-Soh cope with gruelling schedule as they await epic clash with nemeses

PETALING JAYA: The physical strength of men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will be severely tested as the top Malaysian combination are competing for the fourth consecutive week on the international stage.

Following a mentally taxing two-week period at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the world No. 4 played at the Arctic Open in Finland last week and they are currently competing in the Denmark Open in Odense where they are in the second round.

It was a blessing in disguise for them when they lost out to compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the first round of the Arctic Open which gave them a breather to prepare for a tougher Denmark Open.

They should play for a fifth week in a row as they are also down to feature in the French Open in Paris from Oct 24-29 but Aaron said they are prepared for all eventualities.

“This is the first time we are playing four weeks in a row, maybe five weeks and we have to be well prepared and look after our body condition,” said Aaron.

“No matter how tough it gets, we still try to get some physical training during tournaments to cope with the schedule.”

In Odense, Aaron-Wooi Yik will resume their rivalry against their nemeses Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia in the second round today and national director of coaching Rexy Mainaky is expecting a close call.

Ahsan-Hendra have won eight of their 12 clashes against Aaron-Wooi Yik but the Malaysians will also be upbeat as they have won three of their last four matches against the veterans.

“These two pairs have played each other many times and it will depend on which pair take their chances well and are wiser on court,” said Rexy.

“Maybe Ahsan-Hendra have more experience but Aaron-Wooi Yik must also anticipate their game and try to get a breakthrough.”

Meanwhile, Wei Chong-Kai Wun could not rediscover the form that took them to the final of the Arctic Open last week after they lost 18-21, 16-21 to Akira Koga-Taichi Saito of Japan in a 43-minute first-round clash yesterday.

World No. 19 Wei Chong-Kai Wun, who lost to Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark at the Arctic Open, could not raise their game against the dangerous Koga-Saito who are ranked No. 17.

“There is nothing wrong with their physical condition but to play against the top pairs, their focus must not waver,” added Rexy.

Independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi will meet Koga-Saito in the second round today.

In the women’s doubles, independent pair Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien defeated Germany’s Linda Efler- Isabel Lohau of Germany 21-18, 19-21, 21-17 yesterday and will meet Hong Kong’s Yeung Nga Ting-Yeung Pui Lam in the second round today.

In the mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei advanced to the second round after beating Mathias Thyrri-Amalie Magelund of Denmark 21-15, 23-21.