Herry urges Aaron to keep his emotions in check

KUALA LUMPUR: Herry IP has reiterated that the objective for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik is to win the majors — particularly the Asian Games gold – but the former must keep his emotions in check.

While not running away from the Malaysia Masters setback, the national men’s doubles head coach said it is important to do well in World Tour events, but achieving gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Sept 19-Oct 4, remains the priority.

Having helped Indonesia win three gold medals (2008, 2012 and 2016) at the Asiad before India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty ended the dominance in Hangzhou 2022, the “Fire Dragon” wants to push world No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik to rise to the occasion in Japan.

Malaysia’s last success in the men’s doubles came through Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong at the 2006 Doha Games, while former world champions Aaron-Wooi Yik secured bronze in Hangzhou in one of the toughest titles to win in global badminton.

Although the World Championships in New Delhi on Aug 17-23 is another major target, Herry has emphasised the Asiad more, with Malaysia aiming to end a 20-year gold drought.

“The main targets this year are the World Championships and the Asian Games, especially the Asian Games. That is the biggest goal,” said Herry, who deemed the semi-final exits by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) pairs as a failed target.

“The other tournaments are still important, but we also have to look at the preparation. For the Asian Games, we want full preparation so we can win gold.

“As for the Malaysia Masters, the target for the BAM pairs was like last year — to become champions. But we failed in the semi-finals and we have to accept that.”

However, Herry reminded his top pair — especially Aaron — to keep their emotions in check after the shuttler hurled his racquet in frustration as mistakes crept in.

They were unable to perform at their best against independent world No. 9 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the last four on Saturday.

Aaron-Wooi Yik lost 21-18, 21-12 to Sze Fei-Izzuddin, while another BAM pair, world No. 16 Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, fell 21-19, 21-17 to Denmark’s world No. 18 Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard.

“Aaron and Wooi Yik struggled a little to control and manage their emotions. We saw Aaron smash his racquet on court, and that showed it,” added Herry.

“Going forward, that cannot happen because they are role models and senior players. They have to control themselves better.

“Overall, Aaron-Wooi Yik only struggled in one game against Singapore’s Wesley Koh-Jusuke Kubo in the first round, but they were very steady in terms of gameplay and tactics until the quarter-finals.

“It’s a pity Aaron-Wooi Yik couldn’t reach the final and perhaps wanted the win too badly. But credit to Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who played beautifully and whose returns were excellent.”

Aaron-Wooi Yik will be hoping to regain their form in their title defence at the Singapore Open, which begins on Tuesday.

They will be joined by Arif-Roy King and world No. 26 Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing at the Super 750 event.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times