Solid show: National men’s doubles shuttlers Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai celebrate after beating Denmark’s William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer in the first round of the Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: World junior champions Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing continued their impressive form on home soil by securing a spot in the second round of the Malaysian Masters.
The national pair battled past Denmark’s rising duo William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer in the opening round at the Axiata Arena on Wednesday (May 21).
Aaron, who is still recovering from fever, showed good synergy with Khai Xing to overcome the in-form Danish pair, who were runners-up at the Thailand Open just last week.
It was far from a straightforward win as the Malaysians were pushed to three games before prevailing 12-21, 21-11, 21-17.
A tougher test awaits Aaron-Khai Xing in the second round, where they will face another Danish pair, Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard, the seventh seeds.
Earlier, in the women’s singles, K. Letshanaa put up a spirited fight before going down 21-10, 19-21, 12-21 to China’s Han Qianxi.
In mixed doubles, Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien had little trouble overcoming Thailand’s Supak Jomkoh-Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn 22-20, 21-19.
However, Too Ming Yap-Lee Yu Shan fell to another Thai pair, Ratchapol Makkasasithorn-Nattamon Laisuan, 9-21, 13-21.
