PETALING JAYA: World junior badminton champions Aaron Tai-Khang Khai Xing are not letting their spirits waver despite a slow start to their senior campaign.
For Aaron, every defeat he and Khai Xing face is seen as a learning experience and part of their journey to becoming better players.
He remains unfazed by public perception, aware that several Malaysian shuttlers once shone at junior level but struggled to replicate that success as seniors.
Instead of worrying about things beyond their control, Aaron-Khai Xing are staying focused on improving themselves and avoiding early exits in upcoming tournaments.
So far this year, they have competed in seven tournaments but have yet to reach a quarter-final. Their best chance came at the Malaysian Masters in May, where they lost in a controversial second-round match against Denmark’s William Kryger Boe-Christian Kjaer.
“I admit we struggled at the start, but now that we’re in the senior squad, we’re giving our all even if progress is slow. With guidance from our new coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, we’re working on regaining our momentum.
“We’re not stressed about results. What matters is that we keep giving our best in the tournaments ahead.
“The gap between junior and senior levels is huge. The intensity, strength and experience of the senior pairs are on another level and that’s what I’m feeling now,” said Aaron.
Currently, the pair are gearing up for the Macau Open, which begins on July 29.
Their goal is simple which is to avoid another early exit and make a deeper run in the tournament.
Aaron-Khai Xing and the rest of the Malaysian shuttlers will find out who their opponents are when the draw is released on July 22.
“Our spirits are high right now because we’ve been preparing well.
“It’s also been a while since we last competed, so we’re really looking forward to Macau.
“Hopefully, we can produce a better result this time,” he added.
