Herry's men's doubles shake-up: Progress or growing pains?

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is standing by his men's doubles reshuffle, despite contrasting results from the new pairings.

While the new combination of Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King captured the Super 500 Arctic Open title in Vantaa, Finland, two weeks ago in their tournament debut, other new pairs struggled at last week's Malaysia Super 100 in Johor.

Kang Khai Xing-Lok Hong Quan reached the semi-finals, while Wan Arif Junaidi-Faiq Haziq Masawi suffered a first-round exit.

Herry said it is normal for new pairs to face hiccups.

"The reshuffle process will continue until next year. I believe we are beginning to see signs of progress. Everything takes time. Nothing happens overnight," said Herry at the Academy Badminton Malaysia today.

"Some are doing well, while others are still not quite there yet. The new pairs who played at the Malaysia Super 100 have certainly not fully settled down."

Hopes were high for Aaron Tai-Roy King at last week's Denmark Open following their Arctic Open victory, but they lost to compatriots Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the last-16 stage.

World No. 4 Aaron Chia-Wooi Yik went on to finish runners-up to Indonesia's world No. 3 Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Herry said Arif had been carrying a shoulder injury and was unable to perform at his best in Johor.

"Arif has a shoulder problem and his physical condition is not good. He was not supposed to play, but we went to Johor to give it a try. It turned out that Arif was still not 100 per cent fit. He has not fully recovered and cannot execute full smashes.

"So, we have cancelled his participation in this week's Indonesia Masters Super 100."

Aaron Tai-Roy King will continue their European tour at the French Open, which started today, while Khai Xing-Hong Quan will compete in the Indonesia Masters.