Aaron: Staying cool under pressure helped us win BAC crown

“Coach Herry has helped our gameplay which has impacted us positively. We are seeing improvement in our performance, but there is more to come. We have to be consistent and keep this winning momentum.

“Keeping our composure in the final was key to winning the BAC,” said Chia, who ended a long-wait for the prestigious Asian title with partner Soh Wooi Yik.

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The national pair tamed China’s Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi in straight games 21-19, 21-17 on their home turf in Ningbo, China to send Malaysians into a frenzy, as social media erupted with well wishes to the shuttlers.

It was nothing more than the Malaysians deserve from the BAC, having not dropped a game en route to the title.

In the final, they were in full control in the first game, keeping their composure late on as Chen-Liu tried to force a deuce.

The second game is where Chia-Soh’s level headedness stood out.

Trailing 8-12 with the home crowd firmly behind Chen-Liu, the atmosphere could have rattled any player.

But the world number six pair rallied back with five consecutive points to 13-12, which proved the turning point for them to cross the line as champions after 47-minutes.

The victory was much needed for the pair, especially after Chia struggled with a right shoulder injury which culminated in the pair losing in the first round at the Orleans Masters and All-England.

Now, they have added another significant silverware to their cabinet of trophies.

Two Olympic bronze medals, a World Championships gold medal, and the BAC trophy.