Latest news with #HerryIP
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Can Herry keep Malaysian shuttlers in the hunt?
KUALA LUMPUR: There has been much success by his shuttlers, and for national men's doubles head coach Herry IP, the challenge is to keep it coming. The national pairs, led by world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, have even surpassed the Indonesian coach's expectations by winning four title since his arrival in February. Aaron-Wooi Yik won the Asian Championships, Thailand and Singapore Opens; Wei Chong-Kai Wun won the Malaysia Masters. But Herry is wary of the threat from the rivals when his shuttlers return to competition at the Japan (July 15-20) and China (July 22-27) Opens. "The second half of the season will be extremely challenging as it is tougher to maintain a high level performance than winning titles," said Herry. "The rivals would be doing their homework, studying the strengths and weaknesses of our pairs. "In a way, the five-week break from tournaments is a blessing in disguise. The players can improve their physical condition and also be tactically ready when they return to competition."
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Fire Dragon' Herry IP to face wrath of Indonesian fans at Istora Senayan
KUALA LUMPUR: The Istora Senayan in Jakarta is a venue most non-Indonesian shuttlers dread — and this week, national men's doubles coach Herry IP could face the full wrath of its passionate crowd. Herry, who once produced some of Indonesia's greatest men's doubles stars, is now plotting their downfall as he attempts to lead Malaysia to their first men's doubles title at the Indonesia Open in 15 years. The man known as the Fire Dragon is no stranger to the Istora — once his favourite battleground. But this time, he returns as the enemy. Since joining the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in February, Herry's impact has been electric, guiding national pairs to four consecutive titles on the World Tour since April. Unsurprisingly, his decision to cross over to Malaysia has not gone down well in Indonesia. With the once-dominant Indonesian pairs struggling for form, some fans are pointing fingers at Herry for their downfall. But the veteran coach insists he has no regrets. "It's normal for a coach to face these tough situations," Herry to Timesport. "I just have to enjoy the atmosphere. I'm not worried about the pressure. I've always said I'm a professional and will give my best to the national men's pairs I'm now coaching." Herry had steered Indonesia's men's doubles to nine home titles before moving to Malaysia. But now his mission is to end Malaysia's long drought — the last success coming from Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari in 2008. There's reason for hope. World No. 3 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are in fine form ahead of the Super 1000 event, which begins Tuesday. Aaron-Wooi Yik have already bagged three titles this year and are entering their fourth tournament in as many weeks. Fatigue could be a factor as they open against Denmark's world No. 16 Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard before a potential second-round showdown with India's 2023 Asian Games champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty (No. 27). The Malaysians recently beat the Indian pair in the Singapore Open semi-finals. Wei Chong-Kai Wun, meanwhile, have a more favourable path, beginning with Americans Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith (No. 33), and likely facing compatriots Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King (No. 23) for a place in the quarter-finals. Top seeds and world No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, an independent pair, should have little trouble overcoming Taiwan's Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen (No. 20) in their opener. Also flying the Malaysian flag are Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong (No. 28) and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 32).
