KUALA LUMPUR: Men's pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's chances of qualifying for the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou next month were dealt a blow after their quarter-final exit in the China Masters in Shenzhen today.
The world No. 5 Malaysian duo needed to beat China's world No. 6 He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu to confirm their WTF spot, but fell to a 25-23, 17-21, 21-12 defeat in 73 minutes.
Ji Ting-Xiang Yu had no pressure as they had already secured their WTF berth while Aaron-Wooi Yik's chances will be determined by the progress of other pairs in the China Masters.
The top seven pairs on the World Tour will join Paris Olympic champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan in Hangzhou (Dec 11-15), and Aaron-Wooi Yik are currently ninth in the rankings.
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who are in fourth position, have confirmed their WTF ticket.