TOKYO: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are champions of the world!
The Malaysian men's doubles pair created history today by becoming the country's first world champions in badminton following a 21-19, 21-14 win over three-time winners Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia in the final in Tokyo.
Previously known as the 'nearly men' of Malaysian badminton, the world No 6 Aaron-Wooi Yik could not have picked a better tournament than the world meet to smash their critics.
The writings were on the wall for a sensational final, with so much at stake for both Aaron-Wooi Yik and world No 3 Ahsan-Hendra, who had an unbeaten record at the World Championships.
On one hand, Malaysia have never won the top prize in the tournament's 45-year history, while Hendra could have become only the second shuttler after China's Lin Dan to win five world titles in a single discipline.
The 38-year-old Indonesian won his maiden crown in 2007 with then-partner, the late Markis Kido, before bagging another three with Ahsan in 2013, 2015 and 2019.
Aaron-Wooi Yik, who were criticised in the past for failing to manage their nerves in big matches, rose to the occasion at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to silence their naysayers when they came from behind to win six straight points at 12-18 before securing the first game 21-19.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists did not only rattle their opponents but found the key to their victory in the second by forcing their opponents into playing longer rallies for each point.
Aaron landed the finishing blow with a drop shot before collapsing to the ground in disbelief of what had just happened.
"It's hard to describe the feeling right now. We are happy to make ourselves and our country proud by becoming the first Malaysian world champions.
"We want to keep this momentum going, which is to fight and win more titles in the future," Aaron told the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in the post-match interview.
Wooi Yik, the nephew of 1993 men's doubles finalist Soo Beng Kiang, noted that the last four years partnering Aaron was worth every ounce of blood and sweat.
"Aaron and I have partnered for about four years, and this is a great start for us. We had really worked for this despite the many losses in the semi-finals and finals before this.
"It feels like a dream to be the world champions," added the 24-year-old Kuala Lumpur-born.
Aaron also thanked the local fans for not losing faith in them despite their ups and downs over the last few years.
"Thank you for all the support, Yes! We did it."