Malaysia men’s doubles aces Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik moved within touching distance of the Malaysian Open 2026 title after storming into the final following an impressive semi-final victory at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur.
The world No. 2 pair, seeded second, booked their first-ever Malaysian Open final appearance after edging out Indonesia’s sixth seeds Fajar Alfian–Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in a gripping 50-minute battle.
The opening game was fiercely contested, with both pairs locked at 21-21, but the 2022 world champions held their nerve to snatch it 23-21. Trailing 10-12 in the second game, the two-time Olympic bronze medallists found another gear, surging ahead 16-12 before sealing a rousing 21-18 win to the delight of the home crowd.
The result keeps Aaron-Wooi Yik firmly on course to become the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to lift the Malaysian Open title since Goh V Shem–Lim Khim Wah in 2014, a drought that has stretched over a decade.
Standing in their way are top seeds and defending champions Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae of South Korea, who advanced to their second consecutive Malaysian Open final after overcoming England’s Ben Lane–Sean Vendy 8-21, 21-11, 21-18.
Speaking after the match, Aaron expressed his joy at returning to a home final, while reflecting on last year’s heartbreak at the Malaysia Masters, where he and Wooi Yik lost a three-game final to compatriots Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s showdown, Aaron believes the contest is evenly poised, citing their balanced 1-1 head-to-head record against the Korean pair.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
