Aaron-Wooi Yik won't 'feel alone' in New Delhi

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's "expanded" men's doubles presence at the India Open is set to ease the weight of expectation on world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik as the Super 750 tournament begins in New Delhi tomorrow.

Fresh from finishing runners-up at the Malaysia Open, the world No. 2 pair believe a deeper quality Malaysian contingent will allow them to focus on consistency rather than carrying the nation's hopes alone at the season's second tournament.

Aaron-Wooi Yik were defeated by South Korea's world No. 1 Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae 21-15, 12-21, 21-18 in a thrilling final at Axiata Arena on Sunday.

The former world champions were also knocked out by Won Ho-Seung Jae in the semi-finals of last year's India Open.

This time, Aaron-Wooi Yik have been drawn to face veterans Kim Gi Jung-Kim Sa Rang, ranked 91st, in the first round, and they hold a 2-0 head-to-head record against the Koreans.

They will be joined in New Delhi by defending champions and world No. 7 compatriots Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, world No. 17 Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, world No. 28 Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, world No. 29 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, world No. 34 Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian and world No. 36 Lwi Sheng Hao-Chia Weijie.

"There are many more pairs from Malaysia going there this time, so the burden is a bit lighter for us now," Aaron said.

"We don't want to expect too much for ourselves. We've done our best here, and we hope people will continue to support us and the whole Malaysian team at the India Open."

Aaron-Wooi Yik could cross paths with Sze Fei-Izzuddin or long-time bogey pair and world No. 16 Ben Lane-Sean Vendy of England in the quarter-finals.

They lead the head-to-head against Sze Fei-Izzuddin, 6-2 and against Lane-Vendy, 6-4.

In New Delhi, Asian champions Aaron-Wooi Yik will avoid meeting Won Ho-Seung Jae, until if they reach the final.