Targeting First World Tour Title: Wan Arif Wan Junaidi
Confidence Boosted
National men’s doubles shuttler Wan Arif Wan Junaidi is eyeing his first World Tour title with partner Yap Roy King this year. The duo believes their encouraging performance at the 2025 Indonesia Masters last month has boosted their confidence, despite exiting in the quarter-finals after losing 15-21, 16-21 to teammates Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
Targeting the First Title
"Reaching the quarter-finals (at Indonesia Masters) has given us more confidence. We hope to play with greater patience and consistency," Wan Arif said during a training session yesterday. "For now, we are targeting our first title. Once we win one, our confidence will be different."
Previous Achievements
Although yet to claim a World Tour title, Wan Arif and Roy King won the 2023 Nantes International Challenge in France. This achievement has given them the motivation to push further and strive for excellence.
Preparation for the 2025 German Open
Wan Arif is also hoping for a strong performance at the 2025 German Open, set to take place in Mülheim an der Ruhr from Feb 25 to March 2. The world No. 19 pair will kick off their Super 300 campaign against Denmark’s William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer.
Competition within the National Camp
The impressive form of Wei Chong-Kai Wun, who recently won the 2025 Indonesia Masters, has created healthy competition within the national men’s doubles camp. Wan Arif believes this competition will drive him and his partner to work harder and improve their skills.
Leveraging Training Experience
Wan Arif also acknowledged the invaluable experience of 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who have been instrumental in helping teammates improve, especially during training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara. He hopes to leverage his training experience with both pairs to break into the world’s top 15.
Rivals and Rank
Aaron-Wooi Yik are ranked world No. 5, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun sit at No. 11. Professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are Malaysia’s highest-ranked men’s doubles pair at world number two.
Conclusion
Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King are determined to make a mark in the world of badminton. With their confidence boosted and experience gained, they are ready to take on the best in the world and claim their first World Tour title.
FAQs
Q: What is Wan Arif’s goal for the 2025 season?
A: Wan Arif is targeting his first World Tour title with partner Yap Roy King.
Q: How did their performance at the 2025 Indonesia Masters boost their confidence?
A: Reaching the quarter-finals has given them more confidence, and they hope to play with greater patience and consistency.
Q: What is their strategy for the 2025 German Open?
A: They will kick off their Super 300 campaign against Denmark’s William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer, and hope to leverage their training experience with both pairs to break into the world’s top 15.