Kuala lumpur: National men’s doubles pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King are struggling to adapt to the philosophy introduced by their head coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, leading to confusion and errors in their matches, as stated by National Doubles Coaching Director Rexy Mainaky.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rexy expressed concerns that the pair’s confusion has resulted in a loss of direction on the court. “They seem to be forcing themselves to play according to the philosophy introduced by Herry. I have already discussed with them, especially Wan Arif, who is confused and appears to have lost his way,” Rexy remarked during a recent training session. Despite the challenges, he noted some progress in their recent performance at the Indonesia Open, where they competed in three sets against their teammates Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun. Rexy remains hopeful for their increased confidence in future tournaments.

The pair initially led 21-14 in the first set against Wei Chong and Kai Wun but ultimatel
y lost 11-21, 15-21, exiting in the second round of the 2025 Indonesia Open. Since Herry began his tenure with the Badminton Association of Malaysia in February, Wan Arif-Roy King, ranked world No. 24, have only reached one semi-final at the Orleans Masters in France out of eight tournaments.

This contrasts sharply with other national pairs, such as 2022 world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, and Wei Chong-Kai Wun, who have made a significant impact under Herry’s guidance. Aaron-Wooi Yik claimed three titles this year, including the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships, the 2025 Thailand Open, and the 2025 Singapore Open, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun won the 2025 Indonesia Masters and 2025 Malaysia Masters titles.

In a related development, Rexy highlighted the struggles of national men’s doubles player Muhammad Haikal Nazri, who has not regained his former aggressiveness and self-confidence following a thigh muscle injury last December. This setback led to him and his partner Choong Hon Jian missing key tourn
aments, including the 2025 Malaysia Open, with their world ranking dropping to 47th. Since returning in May, they have yet to make an impact in the five tournaments they participated in.

Rexy acknowledged the tough period faced by Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal but expressed hope that they would utilize the current break to regain their momentum for the 2025 Japan Open, scheduled for July 15-20.