Aaron-Wooi Yik urged to snatch world No 1 ranking

New Straits Times

20-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: They may be good friends off court, but on it, the rivalry between Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani is reaching boiling point.
And national coach Herry IP wants his charges, world No 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik, to dethrone compatriots and snatch the world No 1 ranking as soon as possible.
Preferably, before the World Championships in Paris from Aug 25-31.
Herry, known in badminton circles as the 'Magician', believes the Asian champions are in a perfect position to leapfrog independent pair Sze Fei-Izzuddin and head to Paris with the best possible seeding and momentum in their bid to win a second world title.
There's a real opportunity for Aaron-Wooi Yik to overtake the top-ranked pair by shining in next month's Japan Open (July 15-20) and China Open (July 22-27).
Sze Fei-Izzuddin will be under pressure to defend their points, having won both events last year, while Aaron-Wooi Yik are set to gain significantly, having not competed in either tournament in 2024.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik are already in a strong position. But if they can become world No 1, why not?" said Herry at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara on Friday.
"It will help them in the seeding and draw process at the World Championships.
"Of course, it's not just about the ranking. They're preparing to do well in both Japan and China."
Currently, Sze Fei-Izzuddin lead with 91,090 points, with Aaron–Wooi Yik just 1,220 points behind on 89,870.
The China Open offers 13,500 ranking points to the winners, while the Japan Open champions will collect 11,000 points.
Herry also believes that even world No 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun shouldn't be ruled out of the race.