PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s mixed team led by Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing started their campaign without a hitch as they cruised to a 5-0 win over Macau in the Asian Junior Badminton Championships yesterday.
All players won their matches in straight games in their opening Group B match at the Among Rogo Sports Hall in Yogyakarta.
Top boys’ doubles pair Aaron-Khai Xing got the ball rolling when they outplayed Chio Chi-seng-Ou Ka-hou 21-10, 21-12 in just 17 minutes.
Siti Zulaika Azmi increased the lead after beating Chan Hao-wai 21-14, 21-10 in a 33-minute girls’ singles match.
Left-handed boys’ singles shuttler Mohd Faiq Masawi (pic) sealed the win when the 18-year-old took 26 minutes to blow away Tong Chon-in 21-14, 21-11.
The other two wins came through Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting (girls’ doubles) and Aaron-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan (mixed doubles).
Aaron was proud of his performance after delivering two points for Malaysia.
“I’m glad the coach believed in me and gave me the opportunity to do double duty. It feels great to win two points for the team,” said Aaron.
National junior head coach Jeffer Rosobin was pleased with the smooth start in Indonesia.
“We started with a good performance and hopefully the momentum continues,” he said.
Malaysia will play Kazakhstan in their second group match today.
