PETALING JAYA: Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing put to rest talk of a possible split after proving their chemistry remains intact with a triumphant run to the Syed Modi International men’s doubles crown in India on Sunday.
There had been suggestions that the two might be separated after struggling for consistency at the senior level this year despite winning the world junior title last season.
Aaron was even paired with Tan Zhi Yang at the Indonesian Challenge I and II in Yogyakarta for the last two weeks.
But once reunited, Aaron-Khai Xing put in the hard work for this tournament and arrived well prepared for the Syed Modi International title showdown in Lucknow where they faced Chia Weijie-Lwi Sheng Hao.
Although it was a repeat of last month’s Malaysia Super 100 final in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, which went in favour of Aaron-Khai Xing, the former world junior champions did not take the third seeds lightly.
Men’s doubles coach Chang Kim Wai, who accompanied them to Lucknow, revealed that they made full use of the information gathered from Weijie-Sheng Hao’s semi-final win over another Malaysian pair, Mohd Faiq Masawi-Lok Hong Quan, which ended 21-5, 16-21, 21-17 on Saturday.
That insight gave Aaron-Khai Xing a slight tactical edge and it showed as they cruised to a 21-9, 21-19 victory in 33 minutes in the final.
“They played very well and their performance was excellent. This is my first time taking them to a tournament and they showed better focus and aggression in the final.
“Yesterday (Saturday), one of our pairs lost to the independent pair, so we did our homework and discussed with Aaron and Khai Xing about their opponents’ game patterns,” said Kim Wai when contacted.
Aaron-Khai Xing have the chance to add another title to their career as they will remain in India and head to Guwahati for the Guwahati Masters which begins tomorrow.
They have been seeded sixth and will face a qualifier in their opening round.
