Rexy: Too many Malaysian pairs knocking each other out
At next week's Japan Open, world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will face compatriots and world No. 30 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi in the first round, while world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are up against world No. 23 Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King — another all-Malaysian showdown.
Rexy said the issue, which risks halting the progress of lower-ranked pairs, was also highlighted by men's doubles head coach Herry IP.
"Herry raised concerns about these all-Malaysian matchups. It's a waste to see two pairs knocked out early in Tokyo," said Rexy.
"This happens because many BAM and independent pairs are now qualifying for Super 750 and Super 1000 events, which is a positive sign.
"However, we need the lower-ranked pairs to break into the top 15 to avoid these clashes."
Rexy pointed to the mixed doubles as a successful example of how improved rankings can help avoid early round encounters.
When world No. 13 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin first teamed up in June 2023, they frequently faced world No. 4 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
However, those meetings stopped once Pang Ron-Su Yin climbed into the top 15 this year.
"We saw this with Tang Jie-Ee Wei and Pang Ron-Su Yin. They played each other a few times early on, but not anymore since the latter broke into the top 15," said Rexy.
"Our back-up men's pairs must now step up, produce results, and boost their rankings to avoid these early exits against teammates."
Malaysia have six pairs in the Japan Open men's doubles draw — the highest of any nation.
Leading the charge are world No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, followed by Aaron-Wooi Yik, Yew Sin-Ee Yi, Wei Chong-Kai Wun, Arif-Roy King and Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong.
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