Latest news with #Super1000ChinaOpen
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Jun Hao's early Japan Open exit worries coach Jonassen
KUALA LUMPUR: Leong Jun Hao's limp first-round exit at the Japan Open has sparked concern from national coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, who questioned Malaysia's ability to challenge the world's top men's singles shuttlers. World No. 24 Jun Hao was outclassed 21-12, 21-14 by France's world No. 8 Alex Lanier at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Tuesday, and Jonassen didn't mince his words. "We lack the consistency to compete against this kind of playing style and level," said the Dane bluntly. "I'm also quite worried about how far off we are today from being able to push and make Lanier uncomfortable." Although the 26-year-old Malaysian never threw in the towel, Jonassen admitted Lanier's intensity and clinical execution left Jun Hao on the back foot throughout. "Jun Hao tried his best but never got comfortable due to the pace Lanier was pushing. That led to him feeling pressured in most rallies," he added. The defeat not only ended Jun Hao's campaign early but also cast serious doubt on his readiness for next month's World Championships in Paris. "Before this tournament, I was looking for answers about our level ahead of the World Championships. Today, I got some, and we have a long way to go," said Jonassen. Jun Hao will be hoping for a better outing at next week's Super 1000 China Open.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
You're being watched, Rexy warns Aaron-Wooi Yik, Wei Chong-Kai Wun
KUALA LUMPUR: National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has cautioned Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun that they will be closely watched and monitored in tournaments leading up to next month's World Championships in Paris. The men's doubles pairs will be competing in next week's Super 750 Japan Open and the Super 1000 China Open from July 20-25. World No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik have won three titles this year, while world No. 7 Wei Chong-Kai Wun have captured two victories on the World Tour. Their impressive records make them strong contenders in the men's doubles event at the World Championships on Aug 25-31. "Rivals will be closely watching and monitoring Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun in Japan and China. However, if they remain focused and maintain momentum, they should have no fear," said Rexy. "All of the top pairs are competing, and these two events will be used as a yardstick for how they might perform at the World Championships. "Normally, Super 750 and Super 1000 tournaments are compulsory for the top 10 pairs, and none of the leading pairs have withdrawn from the Japan Open next week. "These tournaments are not like a Super 300 event, which is typically used as a warm-up before major competitions. "I expect quality competition in Japan and China, as everyone wants to gauge the level of their pairs." Aaron-Wooi Yik have enjoyed a brilliant run this season, winning the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC), the Thailand Open and the Singapore Open, besides finishing runners-up to Wei Chong-Kai Wun at the Malaysia Masters. Wei Chong-Kai Wun also won the Indonesia Masters and reached the semi-finals at the Indonesia Open. Both Malaysian pairs have outshone independent world No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who have only the India Open title to their name this year. It is worth noting that Sze Fei-Izzuddin are the defending champions at both the Japan Open and China Open. Doing well in the two World Tour events will give both pairs added confidence heading into the all-important World Championships, where Aaron-Wooi Yik remain the only Malaysians to have triumphed in the prestigious event back in 2022.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- 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).
