Rexy Mainaky sets Malaysian Masters goals following Thomas & Uber Cup disappointment

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has a bold vision for the upcoming Malaysia Masters from May 19-24. He isn’t just looking for a trophy. He wants to see an all-Malaysian men’s doubles final.

This is a goal based on what has happened before. Last year, World No. 6 Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun pulled off a huge upset. They beat World No. 2 Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik to take the title.

Rexy wants to see that magic happen again. “Our expectation is to at least repeat last year’s achievement, not only producing a champion, but also having an all-Malaysian final,” Rexy said.

There is one concern. Wei Chong is currently dealing with an injury. However, Rexy remains optimistic.

“If Wei Chong-Kai Wun are cleared to play, they are capable of doing well. They were champions last year against Aaron-Wooi Yik. That is what I hope to see again,” he explained.

Rexy isn’t just focusing on the top stars. He wants the other pairs to step up, too.

“I want to see our other pairs show they have the capability to compete at a high level,” Rexy added. “Hopefully, playing on home ground will give them extra motivation.”

Malaysia’s campaign at the 2026 Thomas Cup in Denmark ended in the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated following a 3-0 loss to defending champions China.

Why Malaysia seems primed for success

The stars seem to be aligning for the home team this year. The most important factor is the draw.

Six of the world’s top-10 pairs are missing from the tournament. This opens a massive door for Malaysia. Because of these absences, Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun hold the top two seeds.

World No. 9 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are also in a great position. They are expected to use this opportunity to make a deep run.

History is also on their side. Malaysia has won five men’s doubles titles at the Malaysia Masters. Even more impressive, four of those wins came in all-Malaysian finals.

The legendary duo of Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong won three titles between 2009 and 2012. Two of those were won against their own teammates. In 2013, Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah also took the crown by beating Kien Keat and Boon Heong.

The depth of the squad is also promising. Pairs like Wan Arif Junaidi and Yap Roy King are ready to fight.

Other local combinations in the main draw include Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong, as well as Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing. There is also a new pairing of Chia Wei Jie and Teo Ee Yi.

Adding to the mix is the unique South Korean-Malaysian duo of Choi Sol Gyu and V Shem. With several other pairs fighting through the qualifiers, Malaysia has a strong army ready to dominate their own soil.

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