Kien Keat-Boon Heong had defeated China’s Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng in a thrilling final to end the country’s 25-year long wait for the title in 2007. Now, the former greats are hoping Aaron-Wooi Yik can shatter the country’s 19-year wait. "I hope our boys will play like they have never won any major tournaments before – although they have already won the world title," said Kien Keat. Aaron-Wooi Yik lifted the world title in 2022 but have fallen short in the All-England final twice, in 2019 and 2024. All Malaysian fans are hoping Aaron-Wooi Yik, currently training under Indonesian coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, can finally make it happen.

Source: The Star March 08, 2026 13:20 UTC