Aaron Chia Prefers Not to Be Trapped by World Championship Draw

Malaysian men's doubles player Aaron Chia is determined to avoid getting caught up in the draw permutations for the 2026 World Championships. Instead, he intends to concentrate solely on his performance with partner Soh Wooi Yik in New Delhi, India, where the tournament begins on Monday. Chia, currently ranked fourth in the world, emphasized that their long-standing partnership is their primary asset for rebuilding chemistry after recent stints with different partners.

"I don't think there's a big problem because Wooi Yik and I have been partners for a long time, and a few months apart won't have a big impact," Chia stated after training at the Malaysian Badminton Academy. "There's nothing new to adjust to because we are both experienced, and there aren't many things we need to prepare."

The path to the semifinals could potentially pit Chia and Soh against fellow Malaysians Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun in the round of 16, followed by a potential quarterfinal match against China's Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi. However, the 2022 world champions are choosing not to let these potential matchups create pressure. Chia stressed that regardless of the draw, his approach remains the same: to fight for Malaysia.

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I don't think there's a big problem because Wooi Yik and I have been partners for a long time, and a few months apart won't have a big impact. There's nothing new to adjust to because we are both experienced, and there aren't many things we need to prepare.

"I don't look at the draw much, so for me, it doesn't matter who we play, as long as it's for the Malaysian team," he said. "I don't feel any pressure, and everything is okay." The World Championships, running from August 17 to 23, are particularly significant for Chia and Soh. They were temporarily separated as part of an experimental strategy by the national men's doubles head coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi. Chia partnered with Aaron Tai, reaching the Taiwan Open final, while Soh teamed up with Wei Chong, also reaching the Korea Masters final.

Chia and Soh made history in 2022 by becoming the first Malaysian men's doubles pair to win the World Championship title. This experience on the biggest stage is expected to be a crucial asset as they embark on their challenge in New Delhi.

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I don't look at the draw much, so for me, it doesn't matter who we play, as long as it's for the Malaysian team. I don't feel any pressure, and everything is okay.