Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s quest for the All England Open men’s doubles title ended in heartbreak once again, as Malaysia’s top pair fell 18-21, 21-12, 21-19 to South Korea’s world No. 1s Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. This marked the third time the Malaysians have reached the final of badminton’s oldest tournament without claiming the trophy.
For Chia and Soh, the All England has proven to be a difficult stage. Having previously finished runners-up in 2019 and 2024, their latest bid showed remarkable skill and determination, yet gold continues to elude them in the Super 1000 category.
The final was a high-intensity battle, with Aaron and Wooi Yik starting strongly and pushing the Koreans to the edge. However, Kim and Seo displayed the resilience and precision that have earned them the top ranking. The match swung on narrow margins, ultimately favoring the South Korean pair in a thrilling decider.
Malaysia’s pursuit of a men’s doubles champion at the All England now extends nearly two decades, with the last title secured by Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in 2007. Chia and Soh remain the nation’s leading hope to end this long wait.
Meanwhile, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae continue to cement their dominance on the World Tour. Their All England victory marks their fifth consecutive title and extends an impressive 25-match unbeaten streak. Since reuniting last year, the South Korean pair has amassed 11 titles, including the Malaysia Open earlier this season, making them almost untouchable at the elite level.
Despite the disappointment, Chia and Soh’s consistency at the highest level is undeniable. They have now been runners-up seven times in Super 1000 events, including recent finals at the China Open and Malaysia Open. Their challenge going forward is to turn these near-misses into championship victories and cement their legacy in Malaysian badminton.
