Aaron-Wooi Yik push on for World Tour Finals spot despite injury

SEPANG: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will not give up their World Tour Finals (WTF) qualification, with the men's doubles pair set to compete in the next three tournaments despite Wooi Yik's right heel injury.

Wooi Yik was hurt in the first round of the French Open last week, forcing the top Malaysian pair to concede a walkover to compatriots and eventual champions Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the semi-finals in Paris.

Speaking upon their arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Tuesday, Aaron confirmed that they would compete in the Korea Open (Nov 3-8), Kumamoto Masters (Nov 10-15) and Hong Kong Open (Oct 17-22) to strengthen their chances of staying in the top eight and securing their WTF berth.

"My condition is good and my partner is doing fine. His heel injury is not serious. We're still recovering, but we will be heading to Korea, Japan (Kumamoto), and Hong Kong for the upcoming tournaments," said Aaron.

"We have to go all out in the next three tournaments because these three tournaments will also help us earn more points (for WTF qualification). So, we'll go out there and compete, and see how things go."

Independent world No. 5 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who reached the quarter-finals of the Denmark Open before finishing runners-up in France, lead the World Tour rankings and have already secured their place at the WTF in Hangzhou from Dec 8-13.

World No. 4 Aaron-Wooi Yik are currently seventh in the standings and will be aiming to secure their place by maintaining their form over the next three tournaments.

Besides reaching the semi-finals in France, they also finished runners-up at the Denmark Open a fortnight ago.

The reunited senior pair returned to the World Tour at the Super 750 Denmark Open following a three-month reshuffle under national men's doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.

"I think it's (combination) fine because we've been partners for many years. So, it's not really something that affected us too much," added Aaron.

The top eight pairs in the World Tour rankings qualify for the WTF, with each country allowed a maximum of two pairs.

With a place at the season-ending tournament within reach, Aaron-Wooi Yik will also be targeting a place in the knockout stage of the lucrative US$3.5 million (RM14.30 million) event.

However, Aaron refused to look too far ahead.

"We want to get through the qualifying stage first before talking about it," said Aaron.