Asian Games: Analyzing Malaysia's chances to secure a first gold in 20-years

It’s been 20-years since Malaysia tasted badminton gold at the upcoming Asian Games which begins next week in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.

With preparations in full-swing towards the Games, Stadium Astro takes a look some of the contenders who could end that long-awaited drought.

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin

On paper, Goh-Izzuddin are the biggest contenders to win gold since Tan Boon Heong-Koo Kien Kiat did it back in 2006.

The world number six have been the most consistent pair of the national contingent, despite suffering early exits in their last two tournaments.

There’s always two sides to Goh-Izzuddin’s game. They are either unstoppable on their day, or fall short no thanks to their own doing.

The hope is that they can perform to their through potential, because if they do, a gold medal could materialize.

Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun

This is an unusual pairing, as Chia and Tee are already confirmed to be reunited with their respective partners Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong after the Asian Games.

But this duo were paired together when the national doubles reshuffle exercise took place, and will now compete as a scratch pairing.

Together they may be new, but Chia and Tee have both reached the finals of major tournaments recently.

Chia-Soh reached the final of the World Championships, while Tee teamed up with Yap Roy King and almost won the China Masters last week.

So, despite barely any chemistry between the two, they could combine their individual strengths to create the unlikeliest outcome.  

Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah

It’s difficult to see Tan-Thinaah capturing gold, let alone reaching the final based on their recent results.

Tan especially, has not been the same player since she suffered a back injury in April, and it is quite evident that she has yet to unleash her full attacking potential, which is one of the key strengths of this pair.

If Tan-Thinaah are to go the distance in Japan, there needs to be a different approach from how they usually perform.

If Tan cannot execute her array of smashes all the time, then maybe she and Thinaah need to stay patient in the rallies and play the long game.

Find the right moment for the counter-attack, to secure the points.

It will be challenge especially against some of the top pairs such as China’s Tan Ning-Liu Sheng Shu and Baek Ha-na-Lee So-hee, but it is a gamble they may have to take.