KUALA LUMPUR: The fierce rivalry between men's doubles ace Soh Wooi Yik and Indonesia's Hendra Setiawan has not diminished the Malaysian's admiration for the veteran shuttler, whom he has idolised throughout his career.
Hendra, 40, announced on Dec 2 that the Indonesia Masters in January will be his final tournament with current partner Mohammad Ahsan before retiring from the sport.
Wooi Yik's admiration is understandable, as he was only 10 years old when Hendra and the late Markis Kido clinched the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Hendra boasts a glittering career that includes four world titles — the first with Markis in 2007, followed by three with Ahsan in 2013, 2015, and 2019.
He has also amassed more than 30 World Tour titles with both partners.
Notably, Aaron Chia-Wooi Yik secured Malaysia's first-ever world title in badminton by defeating Hendra-Ahsan — fondly known as "The Daddies" — at the 2022 World Championships in Tokyo.
Before that triumph, the Malaysians had lost their first six encounters against the Indonesian pair.
Despite their intense on-court battles, Wooi Yik's respect for the humble Hendra remains intact.
"Hendra, the only one legend in my heart who is not just defined by his success," Wooi Yik wrote on Instagram.
"He is forever respected and had an impact on my entire badminton career and life."
World No 5 Aaron-Wooi Yik may yet have another chance to face Hendra-Ahsan at the Malaysia Open (Jan 7-12) and the Indonesia Masters (Jan 21-26), depending on the draw.
However, Wooi Yik's immediate focus is on the season-ending World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou from Dec 11-15.
The pair, making their fifth appearance at the WTF, are aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.
Wooi Yik, still regaining form after undergoing right toe surgery following the Paris Olympics in August, remains optimistic.
"I have fully recovered, but I hope fans will give me some time to return to peak form. It will take a few months," he said.
"Although we have yet to regain the way we played at the Olympics, we are hoping to produce better results in Hangzhou."