Rexy, the coaching director of the Malaysian Badminton Association, stated that the ultimate goal for Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Chia Sze Jie and Soh Wooi Yik, is to peak at the 2024 Paris Olympics. To achieve this, maintaining their world ranking before the Olympic qualification period ends in April next year is crucial, as it will help them secure a better seeding for the Games.
“More importantly, we need to develop a specific plan to ensure they peak at the right time, which is the Paris Olympics,” Rexy added. “We no longer need to tell them things like ‘we need to win this or that tournament.'” Two weeks ago, at the Super 750 Denmark Open, the former world champions reached their seventh final and finally clinched their first World Tour title. However, due to a busy schedule and a minor thigh injury to Soh Wooi Yik, the pair decided to withdraw from last week’s French Open. As planned, they will next compete in the Kumamoto Masters Japan (November 14-19) and the China Masters (November 21-26), which are Super 500 and Super 750 events respectively, marking the final two high-level open tournaments of the year. “I believe this break is very important for them, as they have been competing non-stop since the Hangzhou Asian Games. This rest will aid their physical and mental recovery,” Rexy said. “I can say they have a positive mindset and are in a good place. They have matured and have a clear direction regarding their goals.”
