Former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were left to rue missed chances after falling short in their bid for men’s doubles gold at the SEA Games 2025, going down in straight games to Indonesia’s Sabar Karyaman Gutama–Reza Pahlevi Isfahani in the final.
The world No. 2 Malaysians, who had powered past compatriots Leo Rolly Carnando–Bagas Maulana in the semi-finals, entered the showdown determined to exact revenge on Sabar–Reza — the same Indonesian pair who had previously denied them in the men’s team final
The opening game saw Sabar–Reza seize control early, edging ahead 11–9 at the mid-game interval. Despite Aaron–Wooi Yik’s attempts to claw their way back into contention, the Indonesians maintained their composure and pace to close out the first game 21–14.
The second game proved far more competitive, with both pairs trading points in a high-intensity battle that kept the crowd on edge. However, once again it was the world No. 8 Indonesians who delivered at the crucial moments, pulling away late to secure a 21–17 win and the gold medal.
The defeat means Aaron–Wooi Yik missed the chance to claim their second SEA Games men’s doubles gold, having previously stood atop the podium at the 2019 Manila Games.
While silver is still a respectable outcome, the result will sting for the Malaysian duo, especially after their strong form throughout the tournament and their status as former world champions.
Despite the disappointment, Aaron–Wooi Yik remain one of Malaysia’s most reliable pairs on the international stage, and their SEA Games campaign underlines both their consistency and the growing intensity of regional rivalry, particularly with Indonesia.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
