Kuala lumpur: National men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said the decision to use scratch pairs against Japan in the final group match of the 2026 Thomas Cup was tough, but necessary for the team. He explained that splitting top pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik was based on the players’ condition and tactical needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Herry stated that it was a team decision, discussed with the coaching staff and players, and considered the best option given the circumstances. “We gave it our best shot. In matches like this, anything can happen, but at that moment, it was the most prepared combination we had,” he told reporters after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, here today.

Herry emphasized that player fitness was a key reason for the reshuffle, as some were not at their best. “Man Wei Chong informed us that he was not ready to play due to a leg injury. Therefore, we had to reshuffle the doubles pairs to give the team the best possible chance,” he added.

Malaysia ended their Group B campaign with a close 2-3 loss to Japan at the Horsens Forum, yet still advanced to the quarter-finals as runners-up. Aaron and Tee Kai Wun, playing as a scratch pair, came from a set down to defeat Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi 16-21, 21-14, 21-19. Meanwhile, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Soh Wooi Yik, also paired together, lost a close match 21-14, 19-21, 19-21 to Takumi Nomura and Yuichi Shimogami.

Malaysia’s hopes of ending a 34-year Thomas Cup drought concluded with a 0-3 loss to China in the knockout stage in Horsens. Leong Jun Hao was defeated by Shi Yu Qi 10-21, 21-16, 9-21. Aaron and Soh Wooi Yik then succumbed to Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang 22-24, 14-21. Justin Hoh’s 14-21, 13-21 loss to Li Shi Feng sealed the tie.