PETALING JAYA: Umpiring controversies once again took centre stage, this time involving young men's doubles pair Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing.
The pair were affected by a decision in the second round of the Malaysian Masters on Thursday (May 22).
The national duo were on the brink of a major upset against seventh seeds Rasmus Kjaer and Frederik Sogaard before their momentum was halted by a controversial call in the deciding set.
The turning point came with the Malaysians trailing 12-14 in the third game when the umpire awarded the Danes their 15th point, claiming the shuttle had brushed Aaron's ear despite it landing out of bounds.
The decision sparked protests from coaches Herry Iman Pierngadi and Muhd Miftakh, who rushed to challenge the call.
Although play eventually resumed after a brief stoppage, the incident clearly unsettled Aaron and Khai Xing, who went on to lose 10-21, 26-24, 16-21.
The result dashed hopes of an all-Malaysian quarter-final between Aaron-Khai Xing and senior pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
"I don’t even know what to say. I have no words. It felt so unfair. The shuttle was out, but the umpire said it was in. Then they said it touched my ear when it didn’t," said a frustrated Khai Xing after the match.
"It definitely affected us, not just once, but three, four, maybe five times. It messes with your head during the game."
Despite the disappointing exit, Aaron and Khai Xing can hold their heads high after a commendable debut at the Malaysian Masters. Starting from the qualifying rounds, they made headlines with an opening-round upset over Thailand Open runners-up William Kryger Boe and Christian Faust Kjaer.
