The label of “giant” as the world No. 1 men’s doubles pair does not make South Korea’s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae invincible. In fact, it is not impossible for Malaysia’s Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to defeat them if they cross paths.
That is the belief expressed by Malaysia’s men’s doubles head coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, who is confident that his charges have the potential to pull off an upset should they face the Korean pair in the quarterfinals of the World Championships in Paris, which begins this Monday.
Commenting on the potential encounter, Herry admitted that it would be a tough challenge for world No. 7 Wei Chong-Kai Wun. However, he revealed that their defeat in their last meeting at the Japan Open last month had been thoroughly analyzed to prepare a new strategy.
“They lost at the Japan Open in a three-set battle, but we have already analyzed that match. After reviewing the footage, we now know how to approach the game, identify the opponents’ weaknesses, and avoid the mistakes we previously made.
Of course, there is a difference between the players, especially (Seo) Seung Jae, who has vast experience in men’s doubles. He is also a former world champion,” said Herry.
Despite being paired only earlier this year, the rise of Won Ho-Seung Jae has been nothing short of remarkable. Out of the 12 tournaments they have entered, they reached the final seven times and clinched five titles.
Nevertheless, the Korean duo have proven beatable, with two Malaysian pairs managing to overcome them in finals this year — Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani at the India Open and Malaysia’s top pair, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, at the Singapore Open.
In Paris, Malaysia will be represented by four men’s doubles pairs, including the professional duo Sze Fei-Izzuddin, Aaron-Wooi Yik, Wei Chong-Kai Wun, and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King.
“If you ask me about my hopes, of course I would love to see two Malaysian pairs face each other in the final. But we will have to wait and see because we must focus step by step,” said Herry.
For the record, this will be the second World Championships appearance for Wei Chong-Kai Wun. In their debut at the 2023 edition in Copenhagen, Denmark, they exited in the third round after losing to China’s Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang.
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