KUALA LUMPUR: Time and time again, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have proven to be Malaysia's most reliable and consistent national shuttlers.
However, despite their consistent performances, a World Tour title has remained tantalisingly out of reach for the pair.
Since the inception of the World Tour in 2018, Aaron-Wooi Yik have reached six finals but have yet to clinch a title.
This is despite achieving significant milestones, including winning the Sea Games gold medal in 2019, claiming a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, securing an Asian Games bronze earlier this month, and being crowned world champions last year.
They were also the only Malaysians to reach the podium at this year's World Championships in Copenhagen.
Aaron-Wooi Yik played in their seventh World Tour final against Indonesia's Muhammad Shohibul Fikri-Bagas Maulana at the Super 750 Denmark Open in Odense late today.
And en route to reaching the final, the Malaysians recording victories against three-time world champions Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia and Denmark's Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Aaron-Wooi Yik admitted the expectations to end their World Title can sometimes be overwhelming.
However, they have learned that staying consistent and focused is more vital than the pursuit of an Open crown.
"Over the past few months, we have improved a lot. While there is still room for growth, we've become more confident and consistent.
"Winning our first World Tour title would hold great significance for our careers, but we don't want that pressure to distract us," said Aaron.
Wooi Yik shared his partner's sentiments and emphasised their ultimate goal: the Olympics.
"We try not to dwell on past records because anything can happen. What's more important is to stay focused and maintain our high level of play because we still have a long journey ahead," said Wooi Yik.
In addition to the Denmark Open, Aaron-Wooi Yik have also reached the finals of the India Open (Super 750), Indonesia Open (Super 1000), and China Open (Super 1000) this season.
Meanwhile, compatriot Lee Zii Jia advanced to the men's singles final after a dominant 21-15, 21-17 victory over Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu.
The Malaysian will take on China's Weng Hong Yang in the final today.
