Malaysia’s men’s doubles department has been told to deliver under pressure at the upcoming Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, with national coach Herry Iman Pierngadi setting clear expectations for his players.
Herry said the doubles pairs must take responsibility for securing key points, especially in tight ties where every match could decide qualification and progress in the tournament. His message comes as Malaysia aim to mount a serious challenge for the prestigious team title in Denmark from April 24 to May 3.
The responsibility will largely fall on senior pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who are expected to lead the charge in the men’s doubles category. They will be supported by Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, as well as Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, giving Malaysia multiple strong options in the discipline.
Herry has emphasized that consistency and composure will be key, particularly in high-pressure situations where momentum can shift quickly. The coaching setup believes that the doubles unit remains one of Malaysia’s strongest assets and must be fully maximised if the team is to compete with top nations like China, Indonesia and Japan.
There are also concerns around fitness within the squad, with minor injury issues affecting preparation, but the focus remains on ensuring the doubles combinations are ready for competition.
Malaysia’s strategy in Horsens will heavily rely on the doubles department to secure crucial points, while singles contribute support, making Herry’s demand for execution and discipline even more important as the tournament approaches.
