Aaron eyes a gem of a debut with Wooi Yik
A DIAMOND-LIKE stud glitters on Aaron Chia’s left ear.
“I’ve been wearing it for weeks before I was selected for the Thomas Cup Finals. I just want to be different,” said Aaron.
Indeed, the 21-year-old gung-ho Aaron has a chance to shine and make a difference with his partner Soh Wooi Yik in their debut.
The 20-year-old Wooi Yik is the nephew of former Thomas Cup winner Soo Beng Kiang.
The inexperienced duo, ranked 71st in the world, are expected to be thrown into the cauldron as Malaysia’s second doubles in the Finals starting tomorrow at the Impact Arena.
The other doubles players are Rio Olympic silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and scratch pair Teo Ee Yi-Mohd Arif Abdul Latif.
“Wooi Yik and I only played together since last November but we’re excited with our partnership and thrilled to be part of this Thomas Cup squad,” said the Melaka-born Aaron, who joined the Bukit Jalil Sports School when he was in Form Four.
In the last seven months, Aaron-Wooi Yik reached three International Challenge finals in India, Vietnam and Malaysia.
At the Malaysian International Challenge, they defeated Thailand’s top pair Bodin Isara-Nipitphon Phuangphuaphet in the quarter-finals, eliminated teammates Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani before going down fighting to Indonesia’s Hendra Setiawan-Mohd Ahsan in the final.
“Hendra (world and Olympic champion) is my idol. He is so good at front court. His mid-court interceptions, ideas and tactics are fantastic,” said Aaron, who picked up the sport when he was seven.
On the opportunity given to Wooi Yik and him in the Finals, Aaron said: “It’s an unbelievable chance. We should not waste it.
“Wooi Yik and I are the lowest-ranked doubles pair but we’re determined to use this platform to upset higher-ranked players if we’re given the chance to play.
“It’s nice to train together with our seniors (V Shem-Wee Kiong).
“And it’s a great experience to be here in Bangkok with so many good players. We’ll enjoy every moment,” he added.