Kuala lumpur: The decision to split the country's top men's doubles pairs, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Tee Kai Wun-Man Wei Chong, is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the national doubles shuttlers ahead of next year's Olympic qualification campaign. Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the move would not affect the world rankings of Aaron-Wooi Yik, who are currently ranked world No. 2, and Wei Chong-Kai Wun, who are ranked sixth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul mentioned that the matter was not discussed in detail during the recent meeting, but Rexy Mainaky, the national doubles coaching director, had deliberated on it with the council members about a month ago. He expressed full support for the coaching team's decision to experiment with new pairings, emphasizing the need to provide coaches with the opportunity to test different strategies.

He also clarified that both Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun would continue with their original partners for several major international tournaments, utilizing their current world rankings. Tengku Zafrul explained that while they would employ the national ranking system for other competitions, they would stay with their original partners for the World Championships, as they qualified with those pairings.

Tengku Zafrul highlighted the importance of long-term planning, particularly with the Olympic qualification beginning next year. He stated that it would be better to experiment with new combinations now rather than during the Olympic qualification period. Speculations had arisen regarding potential changes to the partnerships after the entry list for the Japan Open in Tokyo from July 14 to 19 showed Aaron partnering with Kai Wun and Wooi Yik teaming up with Wei Chong.