Reunited 'Patatimo Boys' target title in India to revive form

KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles shuttler Haikal Nazri's confidence has taken a heavy hit following a series of setbacks, but he hopes to make the most of a second chance with former partner Wan Arif Junaidi by winning at least one title before the year ends.

The 'Patatimo Boys' began partnering in 2020 before going their separate ways three years later.

Haikal had a brief stint with Nur Izzuddin Rumsani before teaming up with Choong Hon Jian, while Arif was paired with Yap Roy King.

After failing to find the right partnerships with their new partners, national men's doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has thrown them a lifeline by entering them in three tournaments in India - the Super 300 Syed Modi International (Nov 10-15), Super 100 Guwahati Masters (Dec 1-6) and Super 100 Odisha Masters (Dec 8-13) - to prove their worth.

"Honestly, I want to give it a try and see how we perform together again. I do hope to win at least one title this year, especially since there are not many tournaments left," said Haikal.

"My confidence has dropped, so I hope this opportunity will help me regain it and get back to my best.

"It was the coach's suggestion, as everyone is currently rotating partners. So we thought, 'Why not give it a try?'"

Haikal won the Syed Modi International and Guwahati Masters in 2023, as well as the 2024 Orleans Masters, while Arif clinched the Macau Open with Roy King in 2024 before their partnership stalled.

With Roy King making a breakthrough on the World Tour by winning the Super 500 Arctic Open with Aaron Tai, and now chasing another title at the ongoing Hylo Open in Saarbrucken, Arif will be hoping his reunion with Haikal bears fruit and helps him remain relevant in the national team.

Haikal will compete in his final tournament with current partner Bryan Goonting at the Kaohsiung Masters on Nov 10-15, while Arif will partner Faiiq Hafiq Masawi at the same tournament before heading to India.