Korea Open 2026: Aaron-Wooi Yik Withdraw as Injury Hits World Tour Finals Hopes

Heel Injury Still Not Healed

Malaysian men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, known as Aaron-Wooi Yik, have withdrawn from the Korea Open, which starts today. Wooi Yik is still recovering from a right heel injury.

He was hurt at the French Open two weeks ago. That is why Aaron-Wooi Yik retired from their quarter-final against Malaysian teammates Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun when they were 5-0 down in the first game.

Two Tournaments Missed in a Row

The former world champions also missed last week’s Hylo Open in Germany. Pulling out of the Korea Open means Aaron-Wooi Yik have now missed two tournaments in a row.

This could hurt their chances of playing at the BWF World Tour Finals in December. Only the top eight pairs in the race qualify. Aaron-Wooi Yik are currently sixth, but missing events could cause them to drop down the rankings.

Still Entered for Kumamoto and Hong Kong

For now, Aaron-Wooi Yik are still listed in the main draws for the Kumamoto Masters from November 10 to 15 and the Hong Kong Open from November 17 to 22. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has not yet commented on the situation.

Lee Chong Wei Pleased With Doubles Revival

Despite this setback, BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei is happy with how Malaysia’s men’s doubles pairs have played recently. Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun won the French Open, while Aaron-Wooi Yik finished runners-up at the Denmark Open.

Lee said he was quite satisfied with the men’s doubles results over the past few weeks. He hopes the players can keep up their form, but he said it is more important for them to learn from their defeats. He added that no player can stay at their best all the time, but they can always learn and improve.

Man and Tee Lead Malaysia in Korea

With Aaron-Wooi Yik out, world No. 8 pair Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun will lead Malaysia’s challenge at the Korea Open.