KUALA LUMPUR: Men's pair Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik made their return to the semi-final stage of the Denmark Open on Friday.
The Malaysian world No. 4 reached their sixth semi-final of the season after defeating Japan's world No. 41 Hiroki Okamura–Kyohei Yamashita 21-16, 21-18 in the last eight.
Incidentally, it was at the Denmark Open in 2023 that Aaron-Wooi Yik won their first World Tour event.
"It's a good one for us to come back again," said Aaron after the victory.
Aaron–Wooi Yik will face South Korea's world No. 1 Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae next, and the Malaysians hope to level their head-to-head record.
Aaron–Wooi Yik had to get through a first meeting with the defensively strong Okamura–Yamashita.
Wooi Yik said restricting the Japanese duo's counterattack was particularly important in the opening game.
"They had very good defence and counterattacked more. I think we did quite well in the first game and did not give them many chances.
"Although there were some loose shots from us, I think we did quite well to keep things tight."
Aaron said they were focused on executing their game plan as Okamura–Yamashita were unfamiliar opponents. "This is our first time playing against them."
In contrast, the semi-final presents a familiar challenge, with Aaron–Wooi Yik trailing Won Ho–Seung Jae 3-2 in their head- to-head record.
However, the Malaysian pair won their most recent encounter, in the World Championships semi-finals in August. That victory came after defeats to Won Ho–Seung Jae in this year's Malaysia Open and All England finals. Aaron–Wooi Yik's other victory over the Koreans was in last year's Singapore Open final.
They now have the opportunity to beat Won Ho–Seung Jae in consecutive meetings and square the rivalry at three wins apiece.
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