French Open: Aaron-Wooi Yik fall against world champions
Henry Larsson
March 8, 2024 21:05 MYT
March 8, 2024 21:05 MYT
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were tamed in straight games at the French Open quarter-finals, which effectively brought an end to the Malaysian contingent's first outing in Europe this year.
The national men's doubles pair were beaten 19-21, 16-21 by reigning world champions Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-jae after 43-minutes of action at the Arena Porte , which is also the venue of the Paris Olympics.
Chia-Soh will have a lot to think about after this defeat against this South Korean combination who have now beaten them three times in four meetings.
After a slow start, the world number five did well to match their opponents in the first game as the scores stood deadlocked at 19-19.
But Kang-Seo, as they had done all game, exuded the composure needed to close out the victory for the lead.
Chia-Soh started the second game well and even held a 11-8 advantage going into the interval, but they started making costly mistakes and the South Koreans capitalized in clinical fashion to finish off this match and confirm their semi-finals berth.
It will be back to the drawing board for Chia-Soh, who can next turn their attention to the All-England which begins next week.
The former world champions will need to swiftly rectify their shortcomings ahead of the Super 1000 event if they are to build some momentum for the Olympics which is just four months away.
Two other national doubles pairs Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun lost in straight games in the second round on Thursday.