KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik had hoped to deliver a strong performance as a farewell gift for outgoing men's doubles coach Tan Bin Shen.
However, their campaign at the Malaysia Open ended in disappointment on Thursday.
The world No. 6 pair struggled with errors throughout their match, falling 21-14, 21-18 to world No. 27 Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen of Taiwan in just 47 minutes at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Wooi Yik bore the brunt of the mistakes, leaving the 2022 world champions and two-time Olympic bronze medallists unable to counter the inexperienced Taiwanese twins.
"We wanted to go far in the tournament and give Bin Shen a fitting farewell gift, but this performance was completely unexpected," Aaron admitted.
"We gave away too many easy points and failed to apply pressure on them. We need to regain focus and aim for a comeback at the India Open next week."
Aaron also dismissed injury concerns, despite his heavily strapped right arm.
Meanwhile, Wooi Yik attributed his errors to impatience.
"I was too eager to kill the rallies, and that led to unforced mistakes.
"We improved slightly in the second game, but errors at critical moments cost us. Now, it's time to restart, recharge, and return stronger.
"We also want to thank coach Bin Shen for his contributions and wish him all the best in his next chapter."
In contrast to Aaron-Wooi Yik's early exit, Tan Bin Shen found solace in another BA of Malaysia (BAM) pair, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who cruised into the quarter-finals.
The world No. 14 recorded a straightforward 21-15, 21-13 win over Taiwan's world No. 10 Lee Jhe Huei-Yang Po Hsun in 31 minutes — marking their first-ever quarter-final appearance at the tournament.
"We've been praying a lot and preparing well. Today, we also had some lucky shots go our way," said Wei Chong.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun will face France's world No. 29 Christo Popov-Thoma Junior Popov in the last eight.
The French duo advanced after defeating Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard 7-21, 26-24, 21-13.
"We lost to the Popov brothers last year, so we will work with our coach to plan for tomorrow's match," Wei Chong added.
Other pairs who reached the quarter-finals were world No. 24 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (men's doubles), Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai (both mixed doubles).