Malaysia’s premier men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, are officially one win away from sporting immortality. In a high-stakes semi-final at the Utilita Arena, the World No. 2 duo dismantled China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi with a clinical 21-11, 21-19 victory to book their place in the 2026 All England Open final.
Aaron and Wooi Yik came out like men on a mission. From the first serve, they dominated the mid-court, suffocating the Chinese pair with a mix of lightning-fast interceptions and thunderous smashes. The 21-11 scoreline was a fair reflection of their total control—a tactical masterclass that left the Birmingham crowd in awe.
The second set was a completely different beast. Chen and Liu, fighting for their tournament lives, ramped up the aggression and found a way to disrupt the Malaysians’ rhythm. Trailing 15-18 in the closing stages, the tension was palpable.
But this is the “New Aaron-Wooi Yik.” Instead of panic, they showed ice-cold composure. They reeled off three straight points to level at 18-18, before out-maneuvering the Chinese duo in the final exchanges to clinch it 21-19.
With this win, the Malaysians extend their dominance over Chen-Liu to a 4-1 head-to-head record. But the stat that matters most is the date 2007. That was the last time the legendary Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong brought the title back to Kuala Lumpur.
It’s been 19 long years since Malaysia stood on the top of the podium in the men’s doubles category. Tomorrow, that wait could finally end.
Credit Photo : BAM
