Wei Chong-Kai Wun seek more success to match Malaysian legends

KUALA LUMPUR: They may have climbed to a career-best world No. 4 recently, but Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun believe they still have plenty of ground to cover before being mentioned alongside Malaysia's men's doubles greats.

The world No. 6, five-time World Tour champions, feel they must first prove themselves on the biggest stage if they are to be spoken of in the same breath as former greats Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, and their current senior teammates Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.

Speaking after clearing their India Open opening hurdle with a 21-16, 21-15 win over compatriots Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub on Tuesday, Wei Chong said the journey is far from complete.

"I think we're still catching up with our seniors and also our predecessors," Wei Chong told BWF in a post-match interview.

"In the past, there were Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock, then Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, and now Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.

"We still have many achievements that we haven't reached yet, and we hope we can catch up."

Wei Chong-Kai Wun were also asked about the depth of Malaysia's men's doubles, with the country regularly fielding multiple competitive pairs on the World Tour.

In recent years, World Tour events have frequently featured at least six Malaysian pairs in the main draw, with some tournaments seeing as many as 10 pairs in the 32-pair field.

In New Delhi this week, Malaysia are represented by nine pairs.

Wei Chong said facing fellow countrymen has become part of the norm, and familiarity has helped ease any added pressure.

"I don't think there's really pressure," he said.

"The top 32 now has quite a few Malaysians, so for sure we need to prepare ourselves to face Malaysians."

Wei Chong also credited Kai Wun for playing a decisive role in the win, their third victory in as many meetings against Azriyn-Wee Kiong.

"I think my partner did really well today. He found the right spots and scored a lot of points in this match," he said.

Two other Malaysian pairs were also in action but bowed out early.

Veterans Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, the semi-finalists in 2022, were beaten 21-15, 21-18 by India's world No. 62 Hariharan Amsakarunan-M.R. Arjun, while Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri fell 21-11, 21-19 to France's world No. 24 Christo Popov-Toma Junior Popov.