Every top shuttler can attest that playing in front of a packed Istora Senayan Stadium in Jakarta can be intimidating.
But that does not scare national men’s doubles, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who hope to break their title drought at this week’s Indonesia Masters.
The world No 6, who have yet to win an Open title, also want to become the first Malaysian men’s pair to win on Indonesian soil.
“Everyone will admit that playing in front of a packed Istora Senayan venue is no easy affair. It is intimidating, especially when facing an Indonesian pair.
“But Wooi Yik and I are aware that we have gone on far too long without an Open title. We really want to try and win it soon.
“Having said that, we cannot rush. It’s tricky, this situation we are in,” said Aaron in Jakarta yesterday.
The 2019 Sea Games champions, infamously known as the ‘nearly men’ for coming close to clinching an Open title on several occasions, will open their campaign against a qualifier.
Barring any upsets, the Asian Championships runners-up will likely face Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando-Daniel Marthin in the second round.
“We do have momentum on our side, but our problem has always been consistency. We just need to string together a few good matches, and we will be okay,” added Aaron.
Also in the same half of the draw are world No 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, seventh seeds Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, eighth seeds Goh Sze Fei-Nur-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and reigning All England champions Muhammad Shohibul Fikri-Bagas Maulana.
Last year, Aaron-Wooi Yik crashed out in the semi-finals after losing in three games to eventual champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of Japan.