Interview with 8FM, a chinese language radio station
Q : Which match was most difficult?
Soh : Bronze medal match. Mentality important,if we are not focused for short while then its gone.
Q : How were you able to catch up in 2nd set despite trailing behind ?
Aaron : At the time our attitude was fight point by point till the end. Fight until the end, no regrets. We encourage each other.
Have a dont give up attitude.
Q :Netizens saying this bronze medal is precious because you beat WR#1 & #2 to win. Both of you happy about this?
Aaron : Yes, because the WR#1 we never beat them before. The WR#2 we only beat them once before this. But lost 5 to 6X to WR#2.
This 2 wins are a motivation to us
Q : Is height important in doubles? Because the China MD pair is tall
Aaron : In doubles height not that important. In singles height is more important cos taller easier to cover the court.
We analyse opponent strengths & weakness, not compare the height
Q : Before serving, there's a signal given no 1,2,3. Can you give an idea what it means ? Is the signal standardized worldwide?
Soh : No 1 could mean serve towards the center, no 2 serve towards the side.
Aaron : Different countries have different meaning for 1,2,3.
We dont use signal talk to each other. We dont want people to analyse & know what signal we use so we decided to use spoken way instead
Q : Soh, why did you switch from singles to doubles ? Cos I heard you were better than Lee ZJ in singles.
At the time, its either me or Lee ZJ no 1 in singles among our group. Then coach Morten(Frost) came to talk to me & said I have talent in doubles.
At the time my results in MD was better than MS. So I decided to switch, coach Morten partner me with Aaron.
Q : What do you admire abt each other ?
Soh : His self confidence & boldness. He dare to do. On court, this is important, if have little bit of doubt will effect
Aaron : He's tall. ( Both laugh)
He's not fussy, easy to discuss
Q : Soh, you shared on social media you almost quit badminton when you were 18. Because you were not selected for national team.
Soh : At the time, it was probation. During this probation, my leg got injured quite seriously. I had to rest 4 to 5 months.
So, end of probation, I did not make the senior team.
I was thinking my leg already injured, might as well further study instead. I already signed up for college, then an uncle Looi called & told me "Give yourself a chance. Play another 3 months, if no results, you go further studies"(Uncle Looi could be Looi Academy)
In that 3 months he sent me to tournaments, I had some good results.
After that, I entered national team & met Aaron
Q : What do you want to say to Uncle Looi for persuading you not to quit & helping you?
Soh : He is like my foster father. I am very grateful to him that he made me realise how important badminton is in my life.
Q : What advise both of you have for those who wants to become athlete?
Aaron : Have a goal, have persistence to achieve the goal
Soh : Think for oneself, not be influenced by what others say. Be sure of the path that want to go. Endure a bit if people critize, coach scold.
Q : Come back Msia, what food you think of most ? We'll send it over (Sounds like food request during 14 day quarantine after returning to Msia)
Both : Nasi lemak
Aaron : Every morning nasi lemak also can. Fat a bit but ok, once a while
Soh : Fried kuey teow & banana
Q : After quarantine what plans you have?
Aaron : Just rest then prepare for Thomas Cup & Sudirman Cup
(My chinese isnt very good. Pls correct the translation if you find errors)