Aaron-Wooi Yik save four game points to smash into India Open last eight

KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik had to withstand a strong challenge from lower-ranked Japanese pair Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami before booking a place in their fourth successive quarter-final at the India Open on Thursday.

Aaron-Wooi Yik were forced to dig deep, saving four game points in the second game to seal a 21-9, 23-21 win at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi.

Nomura-Shimogami, the world No. 35 and Japan's fourth-highest ranked pair, had earlier caused an upset by defeating world No. 17 Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King.

Wooi Yik said: "There was wind in the stadium, but we managed it by staying patient.

"The Japanese pair made more mistakes than us and we took advantage."

Aaron said: "We have to keep on our consistency on court for the next match."

Aaron-Wooi Yik will next face Taiwan's world No. 15 Lee Jhe Huei-Yang Po Hsuan, who denied an all-Malaysian quarter-final clash after beating defending champions Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 21-14, 17-21, 21-14.

Aaron-Wooi Yik will fancy their chances, having won all four of their previous meetings against the Taiwanese pair.

Aaron-Wooi Yik are still chasing their breakthrough India Open title after consistent performances in recent years.

They finished runners-up in 2023 before reaching the semi-finals in both 2024 and 2025.