Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik reached a major career milestone today by capturing the men’s doubles title at the Thailand Open, ending Malaysia’s 16-year title drought in the event and securing their second title of the season.
The world No. 5 pair battled through a tense, high-quality final to defeat Denmark’s unseeded duo William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer 20-22, 21-17, 21-12 in a thrilling 60-minute showdown at the Nimibutr Stadium.
This hard-fought victory marks the first time Aaron-Wooi Yik have clinched two titles in a calendar year, following their breakthrough win at the Badminton Asia Championships in March.
It also makes them the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to win the Thailand Open since Chan Peng Soon and Lim Khim Wah did so in 2009, ending a 16-year wait for Malaysian success in the event.
The Danish pair, ranked world No. 75, had turned heads with a remarkable run to the final, eliminating three seeded pairs — including Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto and Malaysia’s Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
Despite losing the opening game, Aaron and Wooi Yik showed their class and experience, adjusting tactics mid-match to wear down their opponents with relentless pace, precision, and court control.
The triumph capped a golden day for Malaysian badminton, with Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah earlier claiming the women’s doubles title, making it a historic double victory for Malaysia in Bangkok.
Both winning pairs earned US$37,525 (RM161,130) each, while the Danish runners-up walked away with US$18,050 (RM77,500).
Credit Photo : Sorawit/SNE Sports
