Malaysia men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has admitted defeat in their pursuit at All England Open 2025.
Herry had produced 10 champions during his tenure as the Indonesian coach. He was disappointed to witness three Badminton Association Of Malaysia (BAM) pairs — World No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No.7) and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King (No. 17) — knocked out in the first round in Birmingham.
The coach is set to take a break after the heart-breaking event before he returns to guide the Malaysian pairs.
Herry said Aaron-Wooi Yik were Malaysia’s best bet in Malaysia, but the former’s shoulder injury effected their performance at the BWF Super 1000 event.
“We have failed at the All England. Our men’s pairs didn’t play well. Possibly, this is also one of the worst returns at the All England for me as a coach in a long while,” said Herry.
“There were several factors which had caused this outcome but whatever the reasons, the fact remains that our pairs lost in the first round.
“Our best bets were Aaron-Wooi Yik but the shoulder injury meant that Aaron wasn’t 100 per cent fit. Aaron normally plays as an attacker from the baseline, but the injury forced him to play at the front court and they couldn’t play to their strength.
“Arif-Roy King were overawed by the occasion as they were playing in their first All England and couldn’t control their emotions.
“Wei Chong-Kai Wun’s performance was disappointing as I had expected them to win. However, they followed Ji Ting-Xiang Yu’s rhythm and lost out,” he added.
Furthermore, Herry said that it will take sometime for the pairs to adapt his tactical changes.
“The tactical changes will take some time to set in. I have been telling the players not to lift the shuttle too much to remain offensive, but they have not completely adapted to it.
“They have to keep working hard and also believe in the changes and I feel the results will start improving.”