Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, stood tall as the nation’s only representatives to advance to the semi-finals of the 2025 Singapore Open, delivering a composed and clinical performance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium today.
Facing familiar rivals and fellow Malaysians Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun — the pair that recently denied them the title at the Malaysia Masters — Aaron and Wooi Yik made it clear they would not fall twice to the same opponents.
Ranked world number three, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalists tightened up their defense and cut down on unforced errors to withstand the fierce challenge posed by the younger pair.
The first set was a tense affair, but Aaron and Wooi Yik showed their experience and nerve to edge it 22-20. With momentum on their side, they maintained control in the second set, sealing the victory 21-17 and booking their spot in tomorrow’s semi-final.
They now face a stern test against former world number one duo from India, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, in a highly anticipated showdown.
While Aaron-Wooi Yik kept Malaysia’s flag flying, it was heartbreak for the rest of the national contingent, with five other pairs and players crashing out of the tournament.
In the mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai failed to capitalize on a one-set lead, falling 21-19, 20-22, 17-21 to Thai duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran after a grueling three-set battle.
Similarly, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah were within touching distance of a win against China’s Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian, but narrowly lost 21-14, 22-24, 14-21 in another thriller.
Men’s doubles duo Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani also couldn’t hold off the powerful Indian pair Satwiksairaj and Shetty, losing in straight sets 17-21, 15-21.
In the men’s singles category, Leong Jun Hao bowed out after a straight-set defeat to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, 13-21, 11-21.
With the exit of their compatriots, all eyes will now be on Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik as they carry the nation’s hopes into the semi-finals of this prestigious BWF World Tour Super 750 event.
Credit Photo : ASWADI ALIAS/NSTP
