Low Zi Yu will continue her women’s doubles partnership with Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, with national head coach Rosman Razak ruling out an immediate reshuffle despite calls for changes within Malaysia’s badminton squad.
The decision also keeps Carmen Ting and Ong Xin Yee together as Rosman prioritises stability and player development ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification period.
Low Zi Yu and Noraqilah Given More Time
Rosman believes the young pair deserve more time to strengthen their partnership rather than being separated prematurely.
He explained: “For example, I have no intention of splitting up Zi Yu and Aqilah because they are doing well together.”
The pair have shown encouraging potential, including a victory over Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi at the Uber Cup earlier this year.
For Low Zi Yu, the decision provides continuity as she continues gaining senior-level experience alongside Noraqilah.
Rosman Explains Why Reshuffling Is Not the Answer
Unlike the men’s doubles department, where coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has experimented with different combinations, Rosman believes the women’s squad has fewer options.
“It is different in the men’s doubles, where they have a much wider pool of players to choose from. In the women’s doubles, our options are more limited,” Rosman told The Star.
He believes the younger players still need time to improve their physical strength, individual skills and consistency.
Carmen Ting and Ong Xin Yee will also remain together despite an inconsistent season. Their best result across 18 World Tour tournaments was a semi-final appearance at the Macau Open.
Rather than starting new partnerships, Rosman wants both combinations to build on their existing understanding.
LA 2028 Olympics Influence Malaysia’s Plans
With Olympic qualification approaching, Rosman is targeting two Malaysian women’s doubles pairs at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Breaking up established partnerships now could disrupt their progress before the qualification campaign begins.
Zi Yu, 16, has also demonstrated her potential by winning the world junior girls’ doubles title with Genevie Lim, but Rosman believes her current partnership with Noraqilah remains worth developing.
Malaysia Badminton News: Stability Comes First
For now, Malaysia’s women’s doubles programme will focus on improving existing combinations rather than introducing immediate changes.
Low Zi Yu and Noraqilah Maisarah will continue building their partnership, while Carmen and Xin Yee aim to turn their experience into more consistent results.
With Olympic qualification drawing closer, Rosman’s decision puts patience and long-term development ahead of short-term changes.