Arif-Roy King learning to play Fire Dragon's way
Rexy admitted the transition has been far from smooth for the world No. 24 since the Indonesian coach, fondly known as the Fire Dragon joined the national set-up in February.
"Arif-Roy King were struggling to grasp Herry's detailed tactical style at first. It felt forced at times, especially for Arif, who seemed to lose his identity on court," said Rexy.
"He didn't quite understand what kind of game he should be playing, which led to mistakes and a lack of direction."
Despite early exits in four of the seven tournaments they've played under Herry, the pair showed glimpses of progress by reaching two quarter-finals and one semi-final.
Rexy pointed to their second-round loss at last month's Indonesia Open, where they pushed world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to three games as a turning point.
"They looked more composed and are slowly regaining confidence," he said.
Meanwhile, another national pair, Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian, are still searching for consistency following injury layoffs.
Rexy said the world No. 47 returned to action too soon at high-level tournaments, which made it difficult to regain form.
"They came back from injury - first Hon Jian, then Haikal - and immediately played in Super 500, 750 and 1000 tournaments. It was extremely tough," he said.
"We considered pulling them out of events after the Indonesia Open to focus on training, but they've already missed several tournaments. Sitting out again could slow their progress even more."
Rexy believes Haikal, in particular, has lost his usual aggressive spark, a key element of his playing style.
"He's not like Arif, who is calm and steady. Haikal needs to play with aggression, that's what gives him confidence," said Rexy.
"I reminded him not to lose that edge. It's part of his identity. After being out for almost six months, it's natural to struggle."
Rexy cited former world No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei as an example of even the best needing time to rediscover form after a long layoff.
"Even Chong Wei needed time after six months away. Haikal-Hon Jian were climbing, then dropped. Now it's about giving them space to rebuild slowly," he added.
Both pairs are currently preparing for the Super 750 Japan Open (July 15-20) and the Super 1000 China Open (July 22-27).
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New Straits Times
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Arif-Roy King working to sync with Herry's coaching approach
Doubles pair Yap Roy King and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi during the Malaysian Open at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil in January. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: National men's doubles pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King are taking time in adapting to the philosophy introduced by head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, according to national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky. Rexy said Wan Arif-Roy King have made numerous mistakes during their matches on court as they were still trying to get used to Herry's way of coaching. "They seem to be forcing themselves to play according to the philosophy introduced (by Herry). I have already discussed with them, especially Arif. "We saw some results in the last tournament at the Indonesia Open where they managed to play three games against their teammates Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun. Despite winning 21-14 in the first game, Arif-Roy King failed to contain the comeback from Wei Chong-Kai Wun and lost 11-21, 15-21 in the second round. "We hope they'll be more confident in upcoming tournaments,' he said. Since being guided by Herry, who began his stint with the Badminton Association of Malaysia in February, the world No. 24 pair have reached one semi-final, which was at the Orleans Masters in France last March, out of eight tournaments entered. This situation is clearly different from two other national pairs - 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun - who have shown a positive impact under Herry's guidance. Aaron-Wooi Yik have excelled this year by winning three titles - the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, the Thailand Open, and the Singapore Open - while Wei Chong-Kai Wun claimed the Indonesian Masters and Malaysian Masters titles. Meanwhile, Rexy said national men's doubles player MohdHaikal Nazri has not been as aggressive as before and has lost self-confidence after returning from a thigh muscle injury sustained during training last December. The situation has forced Haikal and his partner Choong Hon Jian to miss several major tournaments including the Malaysian Open last January, and their world ranking has now dropped to 47th. Although they returned to action last May, Hon Jian-Haikal have exited early in all five tournaments they have participated in this year. Their next tournament is the Japan Open from July 15-20. - Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Arif-Roy King learning to play Fire Dragon's way
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King are starting to adapt to coach Herry IP's intricate playing philosophy, says national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky. Rexy admitted the transition has been far from smooth for the world No. 24 since the Indonesian coach, fondly known as the Fire Dragon joined the national set-up in February. "Arif-Roy King were struggling to grasp Herry's detailed tactical style at first. It felt forced at times, especially for Arif, who seemed to lose his identity on court," said Rexy. "He didn't quite understand what kind of game he should be playing, which led to mistakes and a lack of direction." Despite early exits in four of the seven tournaments they've played under Herry, the pair showed glimpses of progress by reaching two quarter-finals and one semi-final. Rexy pointed to their second-round loss at last month's Indonesia Open, where they pushed world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to three games as a turning point. "They looked more composed and are slowly regaining confidence," he said. Meanwhile, another national pair, Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian, are still searching for consistency following injury layoffs. Rexy said the world No. 47 returned to action too soon at high-level tournaments, which made it difficult to regain form. "They came back from injury - first Hon Jian, then Haikal - and immediately played in Super 500, 750 and 1000 tournaments. It was extremely tough," he said. "We considered pulling them out of events after the Indonesia Open to focus on training, but they've already missed several tournaments. Sitting out again could slow their progress even more." Rexy believes Haikal, in particular, has lost his usual aggressive spark, a key element of his playing style. "He's not like Arif, who is calm and steady. Haikal needs to play with aggression, that's what gives him confidence," said Rexy. "I reminded him not to lose that edge. It's part of his identity. After being out for almost six months, it's natural to struggle." Rexy cited former world No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei as an example of even the best needing time to rediscover form after a long layoff. "Even Chong Wei needed time after six months away. Haikal-Hon Jian were climbing, then dropped. Now it's about giving them space to rebuild slowly," he added. Both pairs are currently preparing for the Super 750 Japan Open (July 15-20) and the Super 1000 China Open (July 22-27).
