When Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik stepped onto the court to face China’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships semi-finals, few saw what was coming. The Malaysians weren’t just up against a technically stronger team — they were also clear underdogs in the betting market.
But then came the upset that reminded every punter: rankings don’t always rule the odds.
Odds Breakdown – Before the Match
Here’s what the major sportsbooks were saying before the semi-final showdown:
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Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang: 1.45 (Clear favorites)
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Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik: 2.60 (Underdogs with upside)
This implied about a 69% chance of victory for the Chinese pair, versus only 38% for the Malaysians — a significant gap in betting terms.
For casual bettors, the odds on Aaron/Soh may have seemed risky. But for sharp punters and those following their recent form, it was a golden opportunity.
What Actually Happened
The match didn’t go the way most odds makers predicted. Chia–Wooi Yik played with poise, precision, and grit — taking down Liang/Wang in a gripping three-game battle:
Match Score: 21-17, 19-21, 21-18
It wasn’t a fluke. It was a masterclass.
And anyone who backed them at 2.60 odds saw their bet more than double — a sweet return for backing experience, chemistry, and resilience over pure ranking.
Betting Takeaways: What This Teaches You
- Underdogs With a Track Record Are Dangerous
Chia–Wooi Yik are Olympic bronze medallists and former world champs. Even as “underdogs,” their ability to rise in big moments shouldn’t be underestimated. - Momentum Can Beat the Market
Despite an up-and-down season, they clicked when it mattered. Bookmakers may adjust odds based on recent matches, but momentum often builds within a tournament — not just before it. - Upset Alerts = Opportunity
In tournaments like the BAC, where regional rivalries run deep and playing styles clash, upsets are common. Knowing the right time to bet on the underdog is key — and this was the perfect storm.
Aftermath: From Underdogs to Contenders
Following their massive semifinal win, Chia–Wooi Yik carried that energy into the final and took the crown, securing Malaysia’s first men’s doubles BAC title in 18 years. The ranking rewards followed — bumping them from World No. 6 to World No. 4, their highest position in six months.
It wasn’t just a championship. It was a statement — and a win for those who believed in them when the odds didn’t.
Final Word
Odds don’t predict the future. They reflect perception. And in this case, perception underestimated two battle-tested Malaysian warriors who turned a 2.60 bet into a nation’s celebration.
