Aaron Tai Confident New Partnership with Aaron Chia Will Spark New Badminton Force

Malaysian badminton player Aaron Tai expressed confidence in his new partnership with senior player Aaron Chia, believing their distinct playing styles will forge a potent new combination. Tai, who was recently included in a significant shake-up of the national badminton squad, feels their contrasting roles on court, Chia typically playing from the back and Tai at the front, will be effective.

"He is more of a back-court player, I am at the front. But it will take time to get a good combination," Tai commented. He admitted he was surprised when doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi chose him to pair with the more experienced Chia.

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He is more of a back-court player, I am at the front. But it will take time to get a good combination.

Tai explained that the decision was based on current performance and ranking points. The coach had initially considered pairing Chia with Tee Kai Wun, but they lacked sufficient ranking points to qualify for the Japan Open, a Super 750 tournament. "I really didn't expect this because it's all arranged by the coach. Maybe because the ranking points weren't enough to enter the Japan Open because Aaron-Kai Wun had played in the Thomas Cup," Tai said, acknowledging some initial apprehension about playing with a senior player.

Currently, Tai has not yet begun training with Chia, as he still has one more tournament to play with his original partner, Khai Xing. The new pairing is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Malaysian men's doubles badminton.

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I really didn't expect this because it's all arranged by the coach. Maybe because the ranking points weren't enough to enter the Japan Open because Aaron-Kai Wun had played in the Thomas Cup.