Wee Kiong returns for a staggering 16th Malaysia Open

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Wee Kiong will walk into the Axiata Arena this week carrying a career's worth of memories, and the simple hope of producing a performance he can be proud of.

The 36-year-old will be making his 16th Malaysia Open appearance, two decades after debuting as a 15-year-old at the 2004 edition in Pahang.

Through those years he has experienced almost everything the sport can offer, including an Olympic silver medal, but the Malaysia Open has rarely been kind to him.

His best remains a quarter-final run in 2018 with long-time partner Goh V Shem.

This time, sentiment quickly gives way to reality.

Wee Kiong and partner Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub open against training mates and fellow professionals Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, with top seeds Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea likely to await in the next round.

"At a Super 1000, the first round is always tough," he said.

"Our focus is on ourselves, to perform our best on court. Men's doubles is very close. Whoever performs better on the day has the big chance."

Wee Kiong is not talking in terms of breakthroughs or bold ambitions. At this stage, it is about fighting well and enjoying the chance to compete at home.

"To be honest, there's no targets being set," he said.

"I just want to play my best and show good fighting spirit — especially for my family who will be here watching."

His partnership with Azriyn, formed in June 2023, has nonetheless given his career renewed direction.

The pair climbed into the world's top 30 and impressed at times last season, reaching the quarter-finals in Japan and Denmark — where they famously stunned Won Ho-Seung Jae in the last 16.

"Azriyn and I have been discussing that in 2026 we want to achieve something special, maybe win a tournament at any level," he said.

"Last year was a bit up and down. This year we hope to maintain our performance, and also make a breakthrough in the rankings."

With shorter timelines possibly ahead should the 15-point format be introduced, Wee Kiong acknowledges that the sport may soon feel different — but remains philosophical.

"On paper it looks good for older players like me because matches may be shorter — but we won't know until we try," he said.

"It might also make games faster, so it's hard to say. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing as long as I can."

For now, the goal is clear - cherish the chance and continue building with Azriyn.