KUALA LUMPUR: For Aaron Chia, seeing Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani take over as Malaysia's top men's doubles pair isn't a source of concern — it's a cause for celebration.
On the eve of the Malaysia Open at Axiata Arena, Aaron praised his compatriots' meteoric rise, noting their stellar performances in late 2024 had rightfully earned them the national No. 1 status.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin ended Aaron-Soh Wooi Yik's reign, which had lasted since April 2019, by claiming three titles at the Japan Open, China Open, and Arctic Open en route to reaching a career-best world No. 3 ranking.
Their runner-up finish at the World Tour Finals three weeks ago propelled them past Aaron-Wooi Yik, who concluded 2024 at world No. 5.
"I think it's a good thing for Malaysian men's doubles. It's pleasing to see other compatriots rising through the ranks," Aaron told the media during official practice at the venue in Bukit Jalil today.
"It doesn't really matter who's the national No. 1 or No. 2 – at the end of the day, we're all representing Malaysia. They have performed exceptionally well and deserve the success."
"Looking at the bigger picture, Sze Fei-Izzuddin's excellent performance will motivate not just us but all men's doubles pairs, especially the younger ones."
With six Malaysian pairs in the 32-pair draw, Aaron is optimistic about a potential all-Malaysian final.
He hopes to face Sze Fei-Izzuddin in a match that could end Malaysia's 11-year drought in men's doubles, following Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem's victory in 2016.
"There's a chance, but we'll take it one match at a time," Aaron said when asked about potentially meeting Sze Fei-Izzuddin in the final.
"We all dream of winning on home soil, and we're giving our best to achieve that. It's been six years since a local player won a Malaysia Open title, with Lee Chong Wei being the last victor in 2018."
"It's no easy task. Playing in front of home fans brings excitement but also comes with pressure."
Aaron-Wooi Yik, whose best Malaysia Open showing was a semi-final appearance in 2022, will open their campaign against Americans Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith.
Their path appears favourable until the quarter-finals, where they could face China's world No. 2 Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang.