Men’s doubles shuttler Tee Kai Wun has expressed his readiness to partner any player if it benefits the national team and helps Malaysia achieve greater success on the international stage.
Last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) decided to split the partnership of Kai Wun and Man Wei Chong, with Kai Wun set to form a new combination alongside 2022 world champion Aaron Chia.
The move is part of the coaching team’s long-term plan to strengthen Malaysia’s men’s doubles department ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“As a player, you have to be ready at any time. No matter who your partner is, you must always be prepared to give your best on court,” said Kai Wun.
The Melaka-born player revealed he was informed of the new partnership about two weeks ago and admitted the decision initially came as a surprise.
Despite understanding the rationale behind the change, Kai Wun acknowledged that ending his long-standing partnership with Wei Chong was not easy due to the strong bond they had developed over the years.
“Everyone knows Wei Chong and I have been playing together for many years, so naturally there are emotions involved,” he said.
“However, if the coaches believe this change can bring better results for Malaysia, then we have to give it a chance.”
The 26-year-old described himself as a versatile player capable of adapting to different playing styles and believes partnering Aaron presents a valuable opportunity to grow at the highest level.
Kai Wun is particularly eager to learn from Aaron’s experience, especially in areas such as mental strength, shot quality and composure during crucial moments in matches.
Looking at the bigger picture, he noted that player reshuffling is a common approach adopted by leading badminton nations such as China and South Korea as they search for the most effective combinations ahead of major tournaments.
