By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
BANGKOK, May 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s national men’s doubles pair and reigning Asian champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik overcame an early scare to clinch their first back-to-back titles at the Thailand Open on Sunday.
Aaron-Soh, fresh from their victory at the Badminton Asia Championships in China in March, came from a set down to defeat Denmark's world Number 75 pair, William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer, with a 20-22, 21-17, 21-12 triumph in a gruelling one-hour battle.
The Malaysians earned US$37,525 (RM161,130), while the Danish runners-up took home US$18,050 (RM77,500).
Soh praised the Danes for their strong performance, saying, "They gave us a very good fight, especially in the first and second games.
"I think it was our mental strength, how we trusted each other and communicated on court, especially towards the end of the second game, that helped us regain confidence to push through.
"In the final game, we built a solid lead, which gave us the mental strength to seal the win," he told Bernama after the match at Nimibutr Stadium here.
Aaron-Soh’s triumph capped a memorable day for Malaysian doubles pairs, with Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah claiming the women’s doubles crown earlier.
Aaron credited their new coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, for providing invaluable advice after they lost the first set, which boosted their confidence to deliver strong performances in the second and final sets.
"Although we are still adapting to coach Herry’s game plan and programme, his advice made a big difference on court," Aaron said.
Looking ahead, Aaron added that they have not set any specific targets for the Malaysia Masters next week.
Aaron-Soh are now the second Malaysian men’s doubles pair to win the Thailand Open, following Chan Peng Soon-Lim Khim Wah's victory in 2009.
-- BERNAMA
