KUALA LUMPUR: National men's doubles coach Tan Bin Shen is optimistic about Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's chances of breaking their World Tour Finals (WTF) group stage jinx in Hangzhou from Dec 11-15.
The two-time Olympic medallists have failed to progress beyond the group stage in their four previous appearances (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023).
Bin Shen, however, believes this could be the year they deliver, especially with Wooi Yik back in form after recovering from toe surgery.
The injury had forced the pair to miss several tournaments following the Paris Olympics in August.
"Wooi Yik has already played in three tournaments since recovering and is in good condition," said Bin Shen yesterday.
"Their goal this year is to improve on their previous performances at the WTF.
"This time, with two top pairs not qualifying, their chances of going far are brighter. But it will ultimately come down to how they perform during the tournament. There's no pressure on them."
China's Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang (world No. 1) and South Korea's Kang Min Hyuk-Seo Seung Jae (world No. 2) failed to qualify for the WTF.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will be joined by compatriots Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the men's doubles competition.
Other Malaysians competing in Hangzhou include Lee Zii Jia (men's singles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles), and mixed doubles pairs Cheng Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai.