KUALA LUMPUR: National men's doubles coach Tan Bin Shen has called for world No. 6 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to step up their game, making it clear that the post-Olympic recovery period is over.
The pair have struggled to find their rhythm since clinching their second Olympic bronze at the Paris Games in August.
Their recent outings this month yielded modest results, reaching only the last 16 at the Arctic Open in Finland and the quarter-finals in Denmark – failing to defend their title from last year.
While Wooi Yik's toe injury may have contributed to their dip in form, Bin Shen believes his charges are capable of much more.
In a stark assessment, he acknowledged that recently-turned professionals Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are currently Malaysia's most standout pair.
World No. 8 Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been in spectacular form, claiming victories at the Japan Open, China Open and Arctic Open.
"Based on current performance, Izzuddin-Sze Fei are the country's best pair," said Bin Shen at Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara today.
"Not just Malaysia, but the world as well. Among all pairs who didn't compete in the Olympics, they've seized their opportunities impressively."
In a push for World Tour Finals (WTF) qualification, Bin Shen has entered Aaron-Wooi Yik in three upcoming tournaments — the Korea Masters, Kumamoto Masters in Japan, and China Masters.
His message is clear – participation alone isn't enough.
"Post-Olympics, Aaron-Wooi Yik understandably took time to recover, and Wooi Yik's injury complicated matters," Bin Shen added.
"They've only competed in two tournaments since Paris but are performing below their usual standards.
"I've had discussions with them recently. While I understand the Olympic preparations were gruelling, and they deserved their break, that period needs to end.
"We've reached a crucial point where we must realign our focus. We can't continue entering tournaments without purpose – I need them back at their competitive best."
The urgency is real for Aaron-Wooi Yik, who risk sliding outside the world's top eight.
Currently ranked 12th in the World Tour standings, they still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the WTF but must win at least one of their three tournaments next month.
Their ranking will be crucial for tournament draws in the coming year.