Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair fell short in the All England final, losing a three-game thriller to South Korea and extending the nation’s 19-year wait for the title
MALAYSIA’S quest for the All England men’s doubles title continues after Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik suffered a heartbreaking final defeat.
The world number three pair lost 21-18, 12-21, 19-21 to South Korea’s Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in a 63-minute final at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
The defeat marks their third runner-up finish at the prestigious tournament, having also lost the finals in 2019 and 2024.
Aaron-Wooi Yik started strongly, taking the first game in 19 minutes with a display of superb athleticism and powerful smashes.
The South Koreans dominated the second game, however, leading from start to finish to level the match and force a decider.
The Malaysian pair began the third game well and maintained a lead until the scores were tied at 16-16.
Kim and Seo then seized control, moving 17-16 ahead and never relinquishing their advantage to close out the match.
The victory gives the Korean pair their second consecutive All England title.
For Malaysia, the wait for a men’s doubles champion now stretches to 19 years since Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong’s famous 2007 win.
As champions, Kim and Seo pocketed USD107,300 (approximately RM423,466) in prize money.
Aaron and Soh took home USD50,750 (approximately RM200,288) for their efforts as runners-up.
