National men’s double’s pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik successfully kept their position as defending bronze medallists after prevailing over Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Rasmussen in three heart-pumping matches.
It was a rather close affair in the first match, with both sides vying with each other to secure points by delivering fast-paced and powerful shots. In the end however, Astrup-Rasmussen managed to close it out 21-16.
The second set proved to be equally as intense, with Malaysian fans roaring in the background to give Aaron-Wooi Yik the extra push they needed. Thankfully, it was enough to carry the pair through and force the third deciding set, where they won with a nail-biting 22-20 score.
As for the third set, Aaron-Wooi Yik constantly kept the pressure on Astrup-Rasmussen throughout the match with their smashes in an attempt to break through their defenses. This proved to be the winning formula they needed to clinch bronze with a 21-19 score.
FIRST OLYMPIC MEDAL FOR MALAYSIA IN PARIS!!
— Giarc Nibisna 🇲🇾🌺 (@craigansibin) August 4, 2024
🇲🇾 Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik defended their #Tokyo2020 🥉 in #Paris2024!
ChiaSoh defeating World No. 2 🇩🇰 Kim Astrup / Anders Skaarup Rasmussen to clinch the medal.
16-21
22-20
21-19
GILAAAAAAAAA!!!!
They are the only 🇲🇾 men's… pic.twitter.com/m8dPCp2pfv
The world No. 4 pair previously won the bronze medal after defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Now it’s all down to world No. 7 Lee Zii Jia to bring back another bronze medal for Malaysia when he goes up against India’s Lakshya Sen in the bronze matchup tomorrow (Aug 5).
Earlier this afternoon, Zii Jia lost to reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn 14-21, 15-21 in two straight sets at the semi-finals, effectively marking the end of Malaysia’s Olympic gold dream.
Read more about it here:
