Malaysia’s men’s doubles badminton head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi defended his recent partnership reshuffle strategy on Tuesday, pointing to international titles won by newly paired combinations after facing public criticism over the tactical changes.
Reshuffle Results at Arctic and French Opens
The coaching staff faced heavy scrutiny from fans and commentators following decisions to split established pairs and test alternative partnerships. Those adjustments began yielding silverware on the international circuit over the autumn schedule.
World No. 74 Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King captured the Super 500 Arctic Open title in October. Shortly after, world No. 8 Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun secured the Super 750 French Open crown. Kai Wun also won the Super 300 Korea Masters in August, validating the early stages of the coaching strategy.
Coach Defends Decisions at Bukit Kiara
Speaking at the Malaysian Badminton Academy in Bukit Kiara, Herry addressed the external criticism directly, explaining that temporary splits were designed to evaluate player depth and development rather than dismantle pairings permanently.
“We never said we were separating them permanently. It was only an experiment. Many people had all sorts of things to say, but now we are beginning to see the results, with the players reaching finals,” Herry said. “As a coach, I may know more than the netizens out there who have so much to say. I am here every day, and of course, I want what is best for the national players.”
Reunions for Established Pairs
While the experimental combinations produced immediate success, coaching staff also accommodated requests from established stars to reform their partnerships. Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik returned to their regular pairing following discussions with team leadership.
#NSTTV National coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is standing by his men's doubles reshuffle, despite contrasting results from the new pairings.READ MORE : https://t.co/nixlUOW93A pic.twitter.com/HqNrxJm9mV
Herry noted that Chia and Soh earned the right to reunite based on their established championship pedigree, which includes runner-up finishes at both the World Championships and the Denmark Open.
“Yes, they have already proved themselves at the World Championships, even though they did not win the title. We separated them earlier only as an experiment, not as a permanent split,” Herry said.
Hylo Open Campaign in Saarbrücken
Following the restructuring, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik as well as Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun have returned to their permanent partnerships. Meanwhile, Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King continue their international campaign.
Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King opened their Hylo Open schedule in Saarbrücken, Germany, facing local world No. 63 pair Malik Bourakkadi and Kenneth Neumann in the first round.
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