KUALA LUMPUR — Since his arrival in Malaysia earlier this year, legendary doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi believes his methods and philosophy are beginning to bear fruit — a belief reinforced today as national men’s doubles pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King clinched their maiden World Tour title at the Macau Open.
The world No. 24 duo stunned Indonesia’s world No. 8, Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, in straight games 22-20, 21-18 to end Malaysia’s 12-year wait since Hoon Thien How and Tan Wee Kiong last won the men’s doubles crown in 2013.
Herry, who is nicknamed the ‘Fire Dragon’, can also take heart in the performance of another national pair, Choong Hon Jian and Haikal Nazri, who were unfortunate to face Arif and Roy King in the semi-finals yesterday.
The strong showing from these back-up pairs bodes well for the Malaysian squad, who already boast the likes of world No. 2 and former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, as well as world No. 7 Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun.
“Yes, I can finally say that the pairs are beginning to adapt to my coaching style and philosophy,” Herry told Scoop today.
“When I first arrived, it was normal for the players to take some time to adapt. There would be ups and downs, and we saw it with all the pairs.
“Here at the Macau Open, Arif and Roy King achieved an important breakthrough, and I could see the improvement with Hon Jian and Haikal as well.
“However, I don’t want to get too carried away and would like to focus on our next assignments this year before thinking about next year’s targets.”
While Herry and his top pairs shift their focus to the World Championships in Paris later this month, the back-up men’s doubles players will be hoping to secure their spots for the Bangkok SEA Games squad in December.
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles final, national shuttler Justin Hoh will rue a missed opportunity after coming up short in his first World Tour final.
World No. 45 Justin fell tamely 21-15, 21-5 to Indonesia’s fast-rising singles star Alwi Farhan.
Nonetheless, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen sees plenty of positives in Justin’s run this week in Macau.
“I’m very pleased with the progress this week. He has been able to find different ways to win on the day, which is very important.
“However, today was a tough day and showed that we still have some work ahead of us. He will learn from this, continue the hard work, and come back stronger.
“Also, a huge shout-out to coach K. Yogendran for guiding him through this week. Continuing the support is essential for growth,” said Jonassen, who confirmed Justin will accompany Leong Jun Hao to Denmark for a five-day training stint ahead of the World Championships.
Justin is on the reserves list for the tournament and will only feature if either of the two Malaysian men’s singles players — Jun Hao or Lee Zii Jia — withdraws.
In the mixed doubles final, independent pair Jimmy Wong and Lai Pei Jing lost 21-13, 21-16 to Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje. — August 3, 2025
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