National doubles pair Wan Arif-Roy King must win the Badminton Asia Championships to secure Malaysia’s third Thomas Cup slot, says coaching director Rexy Mainaky.

KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s doubles pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King have a chance to claim Malaysia’s third doubles slot for the 2026 Thomas Cup. National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky (pic) has set a clear condition for the pair to earn their place.

He stated they must win the upcoming Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) in Ningbo, China. “We still need to observe the BAC for the selection of the third doubles pair,” Rexy told the media after a training session.

“So the players participating in the tournament, especially players like Wan Arif-Roy King, need to take advantage of this opportunity.” He added that if they can prove themselves as Asian champions, they could be included in the Thomas Cup squad.

National men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi had previously expressed a dilemma in selecting the country’s third pair. Two men’s doubles pairs are already almost certain for selection.

Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are expected to carry the nation’s challenge at the prestigious tournament. Today’s training session also featured former world number one Marcus Fernaldi Gideon as a sparring partner.

Rexy believes the Indonesian veteran’s presence will benefit Malaysia’s young doubles players. “At the age of 35, he can still provide quality sparring for our players,” Rexy said.

“So I hope our players, especially the younger ones, will take this opportunity to learn from Gideon.”

 The Sun Malaysia