Fast-rising pair: Aaron Tai (right) returns a shot as Kang Khai Xing looks on during their first round match against Denmark’s William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Young doubles pair Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing are eager to show they have what it takes to succeed not just at junior level but also on the senior stage.
After capturing the world junior title last year, Aaron-Khai Xing have struggled to find their footing this season until a promising breakthrough at the Malaysian Masters.
The pair built on that momentum by battling past Denmark’s rising duo William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer 12-21, 21-11, 21-17 in the opening round at the Axiata Arena on yesterday to book a spot in the second round.
Boe-Kjaer were runners-up at the Thailand Open just last week.
Khai Xing also revealed that tips from seniors Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who had defeated the same Danish pair in Bangkok recently, proved valuable in their win.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik shared some pointers on how to take on the Danish pair, and we tried to apply those tips to replicate what they did in Bangkok last week,” said Khai Xing.
Aaron-Khai Xing now face another Danish challenge in seventh seeds Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard today.
Adding to their motivation is the presence of their families, with Aaron’s coming from Melaka and Khai Xing’s travelling from Kelantan to cheer them on.
“We’ll do our best for everyone who’s coming to support us,” said Khai Xing.
“My family will be travelling from Kelantan. It’s been a long time since they’ve had the chance to watch me play in person,” added Khai Xing.
Victory would see them reach their first quarter-finals of the year after a string of early exits in previous tournaments.
Earlier in the women’s singles, Malaysia’s challenge ended after both K. Letshanaa and Goh Jin Wei fell to their respective opponents.
Letshanaa put up a brave fight before going down 21-10, 19-21, 12-21 to China’s Han Qianxi.
Jin Wei, meanwhile, was outclassed by two-time champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, losing 7-21, 15-21.
Malaysia experienced contrasting fortunes in the mixed doubles when Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien eased past Thailand’s Supak Jomkoh-Ornnicha Jongsathapornparn 22-20, 21-19 in the opening but Too Ming Yap-Lee Yu Shan were no match for another Thai pair, Ratchapol Makkasasithorn-Nattamon Laisuan, losing 9-21, 13-21.
Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!
