PETALING JAYA: It is looking increasingly likely that men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will be called upon for the Thailand SEA Games from Dec 9-20.

Aaron-Wooi Yik, who captured gold in the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines, had indicated that they were ready to pass the baton to their younger teammates in the competition but the experienced duo’s services could still be needed.

Men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi confirmed that the world No. 2 pair were among those in contention to be selected for the Games along with world No. 8 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi (No. 20) and Mohd Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian (No. 45).

The four combos are currently the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) best men’s doubles pairs.

“For now, I have given the names of the four best pairs we have for the SEA Games including Aaron-Wooi Yik,” said Herry after overseeing a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara on Tuesday.

“Aaron-Wooi Yik and the others are all ready to play. Most likely, two out of the four pairs will be chosen.

“It depends on the target set by BAM. If the target is gold from the men’s doubles, then most likely our best pairs like Aaron-Wooi Yik will be selected. I’m still waiting for BAM to set the target.”

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky is expected to announce the team list for the Games by the end of next month.

“Rexy will announce the final names of the players chosen in the coming weeks,” said Herry.

“He was unwell and had to be treated in the hospital. He has been discharged though and is fine now and will make the final decision soon on which players will be selected.”

Malaysia endured a disappointing outing in the last SEA Games in Cambodia with none of the shuttlers winning gold.

Roy King and Cheng Su Yin were the best performers after capturing silver in the mixed doubles.

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