Aaron at ease with new partner Kai Wun

AICHI: Men's doubles shuttler Aaron Chia said he had no issues partnering Tee Kai Wun after the combination secured a crucial point for Malaysia in their Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya team quarter-final against Indonesia on Tuesday.

At the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium, Aaron and Kai Wun fought back to defeat Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin 17-21, 21-16, 21-13.

However, their victory was not enough to send Malaysia into the semi-finals, as the national team lost 3-2 to Indonesia

This was the second time Aaron and Kai Wun had been paired as a reserve combination, following the Thomas Cup in April, where they also beat Japan's Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi in the group stage.

Aaron said their status as a makeshift pairing meant they stepped onto the court without much pressure, allowing them to play with greater composure.

"I think there wasn't much pressure on us today because they are an established pair, while we are a makeshift combination. That allowed us to play more calmly.

"Perhaps that was why our game plan worked better today," Aaron said.

On his understanding with Kai Wun, the 29-year-old said he was always ready to partner any player, with his main focus being on delivering his best performance on court.

"For me, I am always ready. I don't mind who my partner is. What matters is that once I am on court, I have to do what needs to be done," added Aaron.

Meanwhile, Kai Wun admitted they needed time to find their rhythm early in the match before developing a better understanding in the second game.

"At the start, it was quite difficult to move and we had some issues with our control. But once the second game started, I felt more comfortable.

"We started playing as we normally do and did not make too many mistakes," he said.

Aaron said they hoped to win a medal for Malaysia in the individual event after being unable to help the national team progress further in the team competition.

"Hopefully, we can at least win a medal for Malaysia. But based on the draw, we don't have the advantage because we are not seeded.