Chia/Soh Fall Short in All England Final, Vow to Learn from Heartbreak
BIRMINGHAM – The wait for a Malaysian men’s doubles champion at the All England Open continues after Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were defeated in Sunday’s final by South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae. Despite a valiant effort, the world No. 2 duo fell in three games, 21-18, 12-21, 19-21, at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
The defeat marks the third time Chia and Soh have reached the All England final, having previously lost in 2019 and 2024. Malaysia hasn’t celebrated a men’s doubles title at this prestigious tournament since Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong’s victory in 2007 – a drought that now extends to nearly two decades.
A Fight to the Finish
Chia and Soh started strongly, taking the first game 21-18 after building a significant lead. Though, the Korean pair, who won 11 titles last season including the Malaysian Open in January, responded emphatically in the second game, dominating to win 21-12. The deciding game was a tense affair, with Chia and Soh initially surging ahead to a 12-7 advantage. Kim and Seo demonstrated composure, battling back to level the score and ultimately secure the championship.
The match lasted 63 minutes, a testament to the physical and mental endurance of both pairs. The Koreans’ ability to remain calm under pressure in the third game proved to be the deciding factor, according to their coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi. [1]
Disappointment, But Optimism Remains
Despite the heartbreak, Chia expressed a sense of learning and future optimism. “Of course, losing again is painful, but we’ve learned a lot,” Chia said after the match. “We failed to win our first Super 1000 title, but maybe it’s just not our time yet.” [1]
The loss continues a frustrating run for Malaysian badminton, with the nation last claiming an All England title in 2021 through Lee Zii Jia in the men’s singles event. The pressure to end the long wait for a men’s doubles crown is immense, but Chia and Soh remain determined to break the streak.
This final appearance underscores the progress made by Chia and Soh under the guidance of coaches Herry Iman Pierngadi and Rexy Mainaky. Their semi-final victory over China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi, 21-11, 21-19, demonstrated their ability to perform on the biggest stage. They controlled the opening game with aggressive play and maintained composure in a tight second game to secure their place in the final. [1]
Women’s Doubles Disappointment for Malaysia
The All England Open wasn’t entirely without disappointment for Malaysia. Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan also fell short in their semi-final match, losing to South Korea’s Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee 21-17, 21-18. Thinaah attributed the defeat to a lack of composure during long rallies, stating that their opponents were “more patient and calm” in crucial moments. [1]
While the Malaysian challenge in both men’s and women’s doubles ended in the semi-finals and final respectively, the performances of Chia/Soh and Tan/Thinaah offer encouragement for the future of Malaysian badminton.
What’s Next for Chia and Soh?
Chia and Soh will now turn their attention to upcoming tournaments on the BWF World Tour. Their next confirmed event is yet to be announced, but they are expected to compete in the upcoming Super 500 and Super 750 events as they continue their pursuit of major titles. Fans can follow updates on their progress through the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s official channels.
The All England Open 2026 will be remembered as another near miss for Malaysian badminton, but the resilience and determination shown by Chia and Soh suggest that their breakthrough moment may not be far away.
References:
- Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik Reach 2026 All England Final – Badminton Planet
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