Tan Boon Heong believes the only way for national men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to overturn an abysmal record against the world’s best combination of Kevin Sanjaya-Marcus Gideon is to improve on their defence.

Chia-Soh have never beaten the world number one Indonesians in seven attempts, losing to the dynamic duo in straight games in the last four meetings this year.



Tan, still an active player who was world number one twice with Koo Kien Kiat in 2007 and 2010, feels now would be the time for the pair to work on their rearguard.

“You have to work on your defence. If you can withstand their attack, then you probably stand a chance. They are way too quick on the front court, so a counter-attack game plan may be one of the best options,” Tan told The Star.

Chia acknowledged that fact, and wants to take some inspiration from Japanese duo Yuta Watanabe-Hiroyuki Endo who won their last six meetings against Kevin-Marcus.

“We probably have to learn a thing or two from Watanabe-Endo if we want to beat Kevin-Marcus. I have observed how they [Watanabe-Endo] played against them.

“It’s their defensive prowess that gives them the edge. It’s so hard to break their defence.

“Also, they have amazing patience. They can be so calm even during crucial moments. Although our playing style is different, we can always incorporate some of their good points into our game,” said Chia.

More recently, the Japanese upstaged the Indonesians in the final of the All-England 21-18 12-21, 21-19, prompting Marcus to admit the duo had unfinished business with the world number five pair.

Chia-Soh would be looking to new doubles coach Flandy Limpele to guide them in overcoming their shortcomings when the Indonesian reports for work.