TOKYO: What a match! What a result! And what a time to end their seven-match losing streak than at the world's biggest multi-sports Games - the Tokyo Olympics!
National men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik came good at the eighth time of asking as they put on a scintillating brand of attacking game to tame Indonesian world number one Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo-Marcus Fernaldi Gideon 21-14, 21-17 in an enthralling quarter-final clash at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza here today.
This is the world number nine Malaysian pair's first win over the Indonesians in eight meetings since their first encounter at the 2018 Malaysian Open. The two pairs last met in the 2020 All England, with Aaron-Wooi Yik losing 17-21,19-21.
Aaron-Wooi Yik, who are making their Olympic debut, are scheduled to face China's world number six pair Li Jun Hui-Liu Yu Chen in the semi-finals on Friday (July 30).
Aaron told reporters that he was very pleased with the win and hoped that they would be able to maintain the rhythm in the semi-finals.
"Against them (the Indonesian pair), we had nothing to lose because, based on our previous seven meetings, we have never beaten them. So, I guess the pressure was all on them.
"But at the Olympics, anything can happen... like how (men's singles world number one) Kento Momota suffered a shock defeat. As for us, we will just focus on our own game and give it our all," he said.
Kento Momota of Japan went down 15-21, 19-21 to unseeded South Korean Heo Kwang-hee in the first round on Wednesday (July 28).
Asked about their semi-final clash, Aaron said they would give their best no matter who their opponents are.
Meanwhile, Wooi Yik described their performance against the Indonesians today as among their best since they were paired together in 2017.
Having said that, he believes they still have room to improve ahead of their semi-final clash against the pair from China and, most importantly, to have faith in their own abilities.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Jul 29 2021
Soh Wooi Yik and Aaron Chia in action during the match against Indonesia's Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Badminton - Men's Doubles - Quarterfinal, Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, Tokyo, Japan July 29, 2021. - REUTERS
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.