Rexy wants other pairs to make headway internationally

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has urged the other senior pairs to come out of Aaron Chia-sooh Wooi Yik’s shadow and build their own path towards success.

World No. 4 Aaron-wooi Yik, as the world champions, have been absorbing the pressure from their fellow world No. 10 Goh Sze Fei-nur Izzuddin Rumsani and world No. 21 Man Wei Chong-tee Kai Wun.

Sze Fei-izzuddin have been struggling after winning their first title, the German Open, in March while Wei Chong-kai Wun have not made much headway since winning the Taiwan Open title in August.

One of these two pairs are being pushed to join Aaron-wooi Yik in Malaysia’s search for the elusive gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Our second pair should not live in the shadows of Aaron-wooi Yik. They should not think that they are second but must strive to become the number one,” said Rexy.

“Sze Fei-izzuddin and Wei Chong-kai Wun are closing the gap with Aaron and Wooi Yik but do they have the determination and the heart to battle during difficult situations?

“Aaron-wooi Yik have this quality although sometimes they let their guards down. For example, Aaron wasn’t his normal self during the French Open but it doesn’t happen always.

“Wei Chong-kai Wun won in Taipei but what you see now is that Taiwan pairs have started doing well in tournaments after that.”

Rexy added that the Malaysian pairs should aim high and start going for titles if they want to qualify for the Olympics.

He cited the Indonesian pairs as an example as the competition is so keen and where they have six pairs in the top 22.

“When they play in a tournament, they must think about becoming champions and not expecting the senior pair to do the job,” added Rexy.

“We have to go the Indonesia way where their pairs are very competitive and have been winning a lot of titles.

“For instance, if Leo (Carnando) and Danial (Marthin) meet one of their teammates, they will go all out to beat them and the same approach against any other pair.”

Rexy hopes that the over-dependence on Aaron-wooi Yik and women’s doubles Pearly Tan-m. Thinaah will end and the other pairs must step up to produce results on the international stage.

Meanwhile, Rexy also believes the joint matchplay sessions with the independent pairs will also bring positive results for both sides.

Matchplay sessions will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays where the respective coaches of the independent pairs should inform Rexy by every Monday on their availability.

“The initiative is to ensure mutual benefit for Malaysia. Whether they are BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) or independent players, they are all Malaysian players and bring honour to the country if they win titles,” said Rexy.