Taufiq hails Aaron–Wooi Yik as world‑class

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari praised national men's doubles pair Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik for reaching the 2026 Malaysia Open final, calling their performance proof of world‑class calibre.

He said finishing as runners‑up at the tournament marks significant progress for the world number two pair and sets the stage for further success.

"Their achievement in reaching the final also ends a 12‑year drought for a national men's doubles representative to feature in the Malaysia Open final.

"Thank you, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, for an extraordinary fight at the 2026 Petronas Malaysia Open. Keep rising, keep moving forward... all Malaysians are always behind you," he posted on Facebook today.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz echoed similar sentiments, posting on X that it was not a failure as Malaysia is once again competing at the highest level.

In the 66‑minute thriller at Axiata Arena, Aaron Chia–Wooi Yik lost 15‑21, 21‑15, 18‑21 to South Korea's Kim Won Ho–Seo Sung Jae.– BERNAMA