12 Years Wait, One Match From Glory, Tomorrow, Malaysia Rises

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The drought is almost over.

After 12 long years, Malaysia finally has a men’s doubles team in the final of their home tournament—and the nation couldn’t be more pumped.

Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik delivered when it mattered most.

They defeated Indonesia’s sixth-ranked duo, Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, in a nail-biting semifinal at a packed Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, on Saturday night (10 January).

The scoreline—23-21, 21-18—doesn’t fully capture the drama that unfolded over 50 minutes of intense, edge-of-your-seat badminton.

Set One: Heart-Attack Material

The Indonesians came out swinging, jumping to a 5-2 lead. But fueled by the roar of tens of thousands of home fans, Aaron and Wooi Yik clawed back.

The set became a slugfest, with both pairs locked at 18-18, then 21-21.

Under coach Herry Iman Pierngadi’s guidance, the Malaysian pair kept their cool when it counted, edging out the first set 23-21 in 26 minutes.

Fajar-Shohibul weren’t done yet: they dominated early, leading 11-8 at the interval, but whatever Chia and Soh discussed during that break worked—they stormed back to tie it at 12-12.

From there, momentum shifted entirely.

The Indonesians started making uncharacteristic errors under pressure, and the Malaysians pounced. Final score: 21-18.

Cue the explosion of celebration in Bukit Jalil.

Chia stretches skyward for a crucial return as partner Soh positions during their Malaysia Open 2026 semifinal—every leap, every shot carrying the weight of 12 years of Malaysian badminton history and the roar of Malaysian voices willing them toward Sunday’s final. Pix: (Fernando Fong)

Malaysian fans erupt in celebration at Axiata Arena as Chia and Soh score another point to secure their spot in the Malaysia Open 2026 final. This isn’t just excitement over a semifinal win—this is relief, vindication, 12 years of waiting, of near-misses, of “maybe next time” finally becoming “this is it.” (Pix: Fernando Fong)

In a spontaneous show of support, fans across Axiata Arena turned on their phone flashlights during the break, transforming the venue into a constellation of hope. Each light represents a Malaysian who’s waited 12 years for this moment—a home men’s doubles final. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Chia (left) and Soh in perfect synchronisation during their semifinal clash, moving as one unit across the court. This is the chemistry that’s taken them to two Olympic bronze medals, a world championship, and now—finally—a Malaysia Open final on home soil. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

All are watching intently as Chia and Soh battle for a place in history. Their expressions tell the story—nervous anticipation mixed with unwavering belief. This is what 12 years of waiting looks like, captured in the faces of three among tens of thousands who refuse to give up on Malaysian badminton. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Tomorrow, Legends Rise or Fall at Axiata Arena

Standing between Aaron-Wooi Yik and history are the defending champions and world number ones from South Korea: Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae.

The Koreans advanced after defeating England’s Ben Lane-Sean Vendy 8-21, 21-11, 21-18 in their semifinal.

The head-to-head record? Dead even at 1-1.

Last year they were in amazing form, but this is the first tournament of the year, Chia told reporters.

I see it as 50-50 tomorrow. But we have the home advantage.

Soh acknowledged the pressure but said they’re focused on enjoying the moment rather than overthinking it.

Chia launches himself skyward for a crucial smash during the semifinal, his entire body becomes a weapon—back arched, arm extended, eyes locked on the shuttlecock. This is the moment between tension and release, between pressure and power. This is what it takes to reach a Malaysia Open final after 12 years of national waiting. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Courtside chroniclers capture history in the making—photographers and videographers with cameras raised and phones recording as Chia and Soh battle through their PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026 semifinal, every lens focused on documenting the moment Malaysia inches closer to ending its 12-year wait for a home men’s doubles champion. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Those five words—”NEVER GIVE UP KEEP GOING”—aren’t just for Aaron and Wooi Yik. They’re for every Malaysian who’s watched their badminton heroes fall short at home since 2014. They’re a reminder that faith isn’t about winning every time; it’s about showing up every time. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

South Korea’s Kim Won Ho (left) and Seo Seung Jae salute the crowd after reaching their second consecutive Malaysia Open final. The world number have been nearly unstoppable, but tomorrow they face something they can’t train for: Malaysians willing Chia and Soh to victory. Tomorrow decides everything. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

The Historical Context

The last time a Malaysian pair won the men’s doubles title at the Malaysia Open was in 2014, when Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah won the title.

The last time any Malaysian reached the final on home soil? That was 2018, when the legendary Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei won the singles title.

This is Chia and Soh’s first Malaysia Open final—and potentially their first title.

For Malaysian badminton fans, this isn’t just about a trophy. It’s about pride, about seeing your heroes succeed where it matters most—in front of your own people.

The world number two pair, who are two-time Olympic bronze medalists and former world champions (2022), have proven they can handle pressure on the biggest stages.

Now they get to do it with an entire nation behind them.

Tomorrow afternoon, history beckons.

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12 Years Wait, One Match From Glory, Tomorrow, Malaysia Rises
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