KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles ace Aaron Chia believes he and Soh Wooi Yik can thrive under pressure in their final push to qualify for the World Tour Finals.
Aaron-Wooi Yik kept their hopes alive for the lucrative US$2.5 million showpiece in Hangzhou next month by advancing to the second round of the Super 750 China Masters in Shenzhen on Tuesday.
The world No. 5 delivered a solid performance to overcome Indonesia's in-form combination of Shobihul Fikri-Daniel Marthin 21-12, 21-18.
Shobihul-Daniel have been impressive since forming their partnership after parting ways with Bagas Maulana and Leo Rolly Carnando respectively following the Paris Olympics.
The Indonesian pair have reached three semi-finals, including at the Super 100 China Open.
Currently ninth in the Race to Hangzhou standings, Aaron-Wooi Yik still have a mathematical chance to break into the top eight before the qualification deadline this week.
The World Tour Finals spot is highly coveted, offering not only a US$210,000 winner's purse but also substantial ranking points.
"Sometimes when there's pressure, it can be better for us," said Aaron.
"We're taking it one match at a time. We believe that as long as we've done our best, things will eventually fall into place."
When asked about the prospect of overtaking compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, currently ranked seventh, Aaron responded: "I think it's a fair competition between us, we're all fighting for the last qualification spot. May the best pair prevail."
Wei Chong-Kai Wun face a crucial test when they open their campaign against Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard on Wednesday.
Wooi Yik was pleased with their recovery from last week's second-round exit at the Kumamoto Masters, where they had hoped to build on their Korea Masters triumph.
"We're doing good, we executed the first three shots very well and we need to keep this consistency going into the next match," said Wooi Yik.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will next face professional duo Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub, who are riding high after reaching their career-best Super 500 semi-final last week.
Wee Kiong-Azriyn advanced after defeating Thailand's Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul 21-19, 21-15.
The professional pair have already proven their mettle by defeating top national pair Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei last week.