Hon Jian-Haikal vow to remain humble after capturing two titles in India
Nicolas Anil
December 12, 2023 17:24 MYT
December 12, 2023 17:24 MYT
Newly crowned back-to-back World Tour champions Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri promised not to get too giddy with success after they clinched the Guwahati Masters title in Assam, India on Sunday.
The world number 52 men's doubles pair have made India their haven after clinching back-to-back titles which began with the Syed Modi International earlier this month.
On Sunday, they disposed of Chinese Taipei pair Lin Bing-wei-Su Ching-heng in straight games 21-17, 23-21 to record what could be put down as an extraordinary achievement.
Their double success comes only four months after the two were paired together.
Despite their fast-tracked success to the podium top, both shuttlers vowed to remain grounded.
“Our coach (Poh Chai Boon) has imparted great advice upon us. He told us to stay humble and not be too satisfied too easily. After this wins, we will start from zero again.
“As for our latest win, we came into this tournament high on confidence and just focused on doing our best. We played without much pressure and that really worked in our favour.
“Now we are just looking forward to returning home to celebrate with our families,” the pair said.
For Choong, the demands of playing back-to-back tournaments in both the men’s and mixed doubles is taking its toll.
In total, the 23-year-old has played a total 15 times in both the Syed Modi International and Guwahati Masters.
Besides playing with Haikal, Choong partnered Go Pei Kee in the mixed doubles which saw them reach the semi-finals in Assam.
“I’m tired, it’s time for me to go home and recuperate,” he said.
For Haikal, the Kelantan-born is looking forward to celebrating his birthday this Dec 26 with his mom.
Choong-Haikal won the Syed Modi International after they stunned top seeds Akira Koga-Taichi Sato in the final.