AKADEMI Badminton Malaysia coaching director Rexy Mainaky hopes the national shuttlers can break the country’s six-year title drought at the Malaysia Open, scheduled to take place at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur from January 9-14.

He encouraged the national players not to miss the opportunity to secure the World Tour Super 1000 title, a feat last achieved by Malaysia in 2018 through the legendary Lee Chong Wei.

“Everybody wants to win, but as hosts must want to win it. We must also be realistic because the sport it is so unpredictable. One may lose today and win the next time.

“We are counting on Ng Tze Yong, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and all the others, with the experience gained in the 2023 season, to step up on home ground,” he told a media conference ahead of next week’s championships.

National badminton legend Chong Wei has won the Malaysia Open 12 times – from 2004 to 2006, 2008 to 2014 as well as in 2016 and 2018. – Bernama, January 5, 2024.