The men’s doubles pair of Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have pulled off a historic first by beating Indonesia’s Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan in the World Championships final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium today.

The pair won in straight sets 21-19, 21-14 to win Malaysia’s first-ever world title.

While the country has bagged the All-England and Thomas Cup titles, this is the first time Malaysia has won at the World Championships in badminton.

Yesterday, Chia and Soh, the world No 6 pair, survived a thrilling semi-final battle against world No 7 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty of India, prevailing 20-22, 21-18, 21-16 in a tight 77-minute match.

In previous world meets, Lee Chong Wei finished runner-up on three occasions in the men’s singles, while Wong Choon Hann bagged second place in 2003.

In the men’s doubles, Razif-Jailani Sidek (1987), Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kiang (1993), Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock (1997) and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (2010) all fell at the final hurdle, making today’s win all the more special.

National shuttler Tze Yong heads to Commonwealth finals

National shuttler Tze Yong heads to Commonwealth finals

Shuttlers take Commonwealth Games gold tally to three

Shuttlers take Commonwealth Games gold tally to three

Zii Jia disappointed despite clearing first hurdle in Indonesian Open

Zii Jia disappointed despite clearing first hurdle in Indonesian Open