National men’s doubles coach Herry IP has described world No. 1 Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae as a “complete and mature” pair, acknowledging that Malaysia’s men’s doubles shuttlers still have work to do before they can challenge the Koreans consistently.
The reigning world champions claimed their ninth title of the year at the French Open after coming from behind to defeat Indonesia’s world No. 25 duo Fajar Alfian and Shohibul Fikri 9-21, 21-13, 21-12 in Sunday’s final.
In the earlier stages, Kim and Seo had ousted Malaysia’s world No. 5 pair Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun 18-21, 21-14, 21-10 in the quarter-finals, while compatriots Arif Junaidi and Yap Roy King fell to Fajar and Shohibul 21-14, 24-22.
“Won Ho-Seung Jae are very mature and complete — it’s very difficult to beat them right now,” Herry said. “Wei Chong and Kai Wun need more time to stabilise their performance. They must continue to work hard and trust the process to close the gap.
“It’s the same for all our Malaysian pairs. The Koreans are on another level. Arif and Roy King are improving, but we’ll see their full potential next year.”
The Korean duo’s latest triumph equals the 2018 record of Herry’s former proteges Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, who also won nine titles in a single season.
“To be mentioned alongside such legendary players is a great honour,” said Seo Seung Jae. “We still have tournaments left this year and will give our best for more success.”
Meanwhile, Malaysian pairs will now turn their attention to the Hylo Open in Germany. Top seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 4 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are expected to advance smoothly in their openers against Scottish opponents, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun and Arif-Roy King face each other in an all-Malaysian clash.
In women’s doubles, Carmen Ting–Ong Xin Yee remain Malaysia’s only representatives following Go Pei Kee’s withdrawal due to an ankle injury. In mixed doubles, Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien will take on Brazil’s Fabricio Farias-Jacqueline Lima in their first match.
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