KUALA LUMPUR: The sudden emergence of youngsters Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik is definitely a warning for top men's doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong.
The Olympic silver medallists cannot remain in their comfort zone anymore.
Following Aaron-Wooi Yik's superb run in the World Championships in Nanjing, China this week, Malaysia will no longer need to depend solely on V Shem-Wee Kiong for honours.
Former men's doubles icon Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek believes that the fight to be Malaysia's No 1 should serve as a motivation for V Shem-Wee Kiong to push harder and come out of their slump.
"What Aaron-Wooi Yik have done in Nanjing is truly remarkable. It also shows that we no longer have to depend on V Shem-Wee Kiong alone. The more we depend on them, the more we will be disappointed.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik's gallant run should serve as an eye opener for V Shem-Wee Kiong. V Shem-Wee Kiong have got so much quality, but they must be able to translate them into victories on court. They must put aside their egos if they want to regain their top form.
"The young pair (Aaron-Wooi Yik) have proven that if you can stay united on court, you can achieve great things. This must move V Shem-Wee Kiong to do something," said Jalani.
World No 35 Aaron-Wooi Yik, making their debut at the World Championshps, surprised everyone when they reached the quarter-finals, before losing to fourth seeds Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen of China.
V Shem-Wee Kiong, on the other hand, are still struggling to find their footing, losing to the same China pair a day earlier in the third round.
Jalani also supports the move to name Aaron-Wooi Yik for the Asian Games in Indonesia this month, as previously reported by NSTP Sport.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik need more opportunities like this. They are playing some really good badminton and deserve to play in major tournaments like the Asian Games.
"I am very impressed with their style of play and courage on court. You rarely see this in young pairs. These guys begin attacking the moment they get on court and that is superb," added Jalani