Wan Arif and Haikal Reunite for Another Shot at Success
Malaysian men’s doubles shuttlers Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Mohd Haikal Nazri will reunite at the Syed Modi International in India from November 24 to 29, 2026. After four years apart, the former partners will get another chance to prove their potential together.
The reunion is part of men’s doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi’s ongoing efforts to test different pairings. He wants to assess which combinations can deliver stronger results for Malaysia. As a result, Arif and Haikal will have an opportunity to show whether their partnership can succeed again.
Herry Gives the Former Partners Another Chance
Both players have tried different partners in recent months. Arif previously teamed up with Kang Khai Xing and more recently with Faiq Masawi. Meanwhile, Haikal has also been part of Malaysia’s wider doubles evaluation process.
Herry believes the reunion is worth exploring because both players have experience and individual ability. However, their future as a permanent pair will depend on their performances in upcoming tournaments.
The coach has also highlighted the differences between their previous partnership and the current national set-up. Since they last played together, coaching methods and playing styles may have changed. Therefore, the new combination will need time to adapt.
Syed Modi International and Guwahati Masters Ahead
The Syed Modi International, scheduled for November 24 to 29, will be the first test of their renewed partnership. They are also entered for the Guwahati Masters in India from December 1 to 6. These tournaments should give the coaching team more evidence to assess how well the pair work together.
For Arif and Haikal, the immediate goal is to build a strong understanding on court. They will need to combine their strengths, communicate clearly and maintain consistency against their opponents. Their results will help determine whether the partnership continues beyond these events.
Looking Back at Arif and Haikal’s Previous Success
The pair first played together during their junior careers. Over time, they built a partnership that reached a career-high world ranking of No. 38. Their biggest achievement came in 2022, when they won the Orleans Masters.
However, the partnership ended later that year as Malaysia reviewed its men’s doubles combinations. The players were then assigned different partners during a period of changes within the national set-up.
Now, their reunion offers a fresh opportunity. Although past success does not guarantee future results, their experience together could provide a useful foundation as they work to regain their chemistry.
Follow More Malaysian Badminton News
Malaysian badminton fans will be watching to see how the reunited pair perform in India. Their results could influence the coaching team’s decisions about future men’s doubles combinations.
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