So Close Again: Aaron-Wooi Yik Fall Short in All-England Final

BIRMINGHAM, England – The quest for a historic All-England Open title continues for Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. The world number two doubles pair suffered a heartbreaking defeat on Sunday, March 8, 2026, losing a thrilling three-game match to South Korea’s reigning world champions, Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. The final score was 18-21, 21-12, 19-21.

This marked the third time the Malaysian duo have reached the All-England final, following previous attempts in 2019 and 2024, but the coveted title remains elusive. Despite a valiant 63-minute performance, Chia and Soh were unable to overcome the composure and resilience of the Korean pair, who secured their second consecutive All-England crown.

A Rollercoaster of a Match

The Malaysians started strongly, dictating the pace in the first game and securing a 21-18 victory. They raced to a 16-11 lead before the Koreans mounted a late comeback, ultimately falling just short. However, Kim and Seo responded emphatically in the second game, dominating from start to finish to level the match at one game apiece with a convincing 21-12 win.

The deciding game was a nail-biter, filled with momentum swings and dramatic rallies. Aaron and Soh initially seized control, building a commanding 12-7 lead. But the Korean duo, known for their fighting spirit and tactical prowess, clawed their way back into contention. The score was locked at 13-13 before Kim and Seo ultimately prevailed, capitalizing on a crucial error from Wooi Yik to close out the match 21-19.

A Long Wait Continues for Malaysia

The defeat extends Malaysia’s wait for an All-England title in men’s doubles to nearly two decades. The last Malaysian pair to lift the prestigious trophy were Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, who triumphed in 2007. This loss is particularly poignant for Malaysian badminton fans, who had hoped to witness a breakthrough moment for Chia and Soh, who have consistently ranked among the world’s elite.

Despite the disappointment, Malaysian coach Herry Iman Pierngadi acknowledged the pair’s strong performance. “They are still unlucky in the All-England,” he said. “They played well despite the defeat.” He pinpointed a critical moment in the third game, noting that a missed smash by Wooi Yik at 16-15 proved costly. “The Koreans looked calmer in the third game. At 16-15, Wooi Yik’s smashing shot went out and that was a waste… We all felt it.”

Looking Ahead: Asian Championships on the Horizon

While the All-England Open ended in heartbreak, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will quickly turn their attention to the Asian Championships in China next month. They will be aiming to defend their title and regain momentum after this narrow defeat. The Asian Championships represent another significant opportunity for the Malaysian duo to showcase their talent and compete for a major championship.

The 2026 All-England Open similarly saw surprises in other categories. In women’s singles, An Se-young of South Korea had her winning streak ended by Wang Zhiyi of China in a 15-21, 19-21 defeat. China and Taiwan emerged as the most successful nations at the tournament, winning two titles each.

All-England Open 2026: Final Results

• Men’s Singles: Lin Chun-yi (Tpe) bt Lakhsya Sen (Ind) 21-15, 22-20
• Men’s Doubles: Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae (Kor) bt Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (Mas) 18-21, 21-12, 21-19
• Women’s Singles: Wang Zhiyi (Chn) bt An Se-young (Kor) 21-15, 21-19
• Women’s Doubles: Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning (Chn) bt Baek Ha-na-Lee So-hee (Kor) 21-18, 21-12
• Mixed Doubles: Ye Hong Wei-Nicole Chan (Tpe) bt Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue (Fra) 21-19, 21-18

Despite the disappointment in Birmingham, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik remain a formidable force in men’s doubles badminton. Their consistent performances and dedication to the sport suggest they will continue to challenge for major titles in the years to approach. Fans can follow their progress at the Asian Championships next month, where they will look to add another chapter to their already impressive careers.

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