PETALING JAYA: Young shuttlers Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing have become the latest pair to break into the world’s top 50 rankings this year in a further boost to Malaysia’s men’s doubles.
Aaron and Khai Xing, who are both still only 19 years old, jumped 11 rungs from No. 57 to No. 46 in the latest rankings after capturing their maiden World Tour Super 300 title in the Syed Modi India International title in Lucknow on Sunday.
The 2024 world junior champions’ progress meant that Malaysia now have nine pairs in the world’s top 50, underlining the country’s strength in the event.
The others are world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 4 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 5), Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi (No. 17), Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub (No. 28), Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 29), Mohd Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian (No. 34) and Chia Weijie-Lwi Sheng Hao (No. 36).
Aaron-Khai Xing, who also won the Malaysia Super 100 crown in Johor in October, were happy with their breakthrough and hope to maintain their form.
“We are happy with what we have achieved so far and we want to maintain our performances. Winning the title in India has made us more confident,” said Aaron.
Khai Xing believes he and Aaron are slowly starting to find their feet in senior tournaments after struggling in the first half of the year.
“This year, we went through ups and downs and are slowly getting our rhythm back,” said Khai Xing.
“We are adapting to the game style in the senior level better now.”
Aaron-Khai Xing are aiming to break into the world’s top 32 rankings which will grant them access into Super 750 and 1000 competitions.
Weijie-Sheng Hao, who lost to Aaron-Khai Xing in the final in India, have edged closer to the top 32. The independent pair moved up nine rungs from No. 45 to No. 36 after their runners-up finish.
