Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik finish as Malaysia Open runners-up, extending the nation’s 12-year men’s doubles title drought after a three-game final loss.
KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s wait for a home men’s doubles champion continues after top pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik fell in the Malaysia Open 2026 final.
The second seeds were defeated 21-15, 12-21, 21-18 by defending champions Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea in a one-hour-six-minute contest at a packed Axiata Arena.
The loss prolongs Malaysia’s 12-year drought in the event, with the last triumph belonging to Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah in 2014.
Aaron-Wooi Yik started slowly, losing the first game after several unforced errors.
The 2022 world champions fought back convincingly in the second set, forcing a decider.
Momentum shifted decisively in the third game as the Korean top seeds raced to an 11-4 advantage.
The Malaysians refused to fold, battling back to close the gap to 18-17 before the Koreans sealed victory.
The result marks Aaron-Wooi Yik’s seventh defeat in a Super 1000 level final.
As champions, Won Ho-Seung Jae pocketed prize money of USD 107,500 (about RM439,232.55).
The Malaysian runners-up earned USD 50,750 (approximately RM207,745.12).