National men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: National men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing will get a shot to play against the world’s best when they compete at the All-England next month.
National head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said the young pair would get valuable experience in Birmingham from March 3-8.
"They are the next generation of players, so giving them the experience is important," said Herry.
"It won’t be easy but they have to go through the process of playing against bigger opponents because right now, they rarely get to meet players in the top 10 from other countries.
"They need the exposure."
Herry added that the world No. 35 pair have been showing improvements, but noted that Khai Xing has some catching up to do with his partner.
"Personally, from what I have seen, Aaron can keep up at a high level but his partner (Khai Xing) has some aspects that can be improved, especially on his speed and power."
At the ongoing Asia Team Championships in Qingdao, China, the 2024 world junior champions Aaron-Khai Xing were split for just one match against Myanmar.
Aaron was paired with Yap Roy King, and they went on to defeat Nyan Shaine-Phone Htet 21-11, 21-11 in Malaysia’s 5-0 win against Myanmar in their Group D match on Wednesday.
But Herry wants Aaron-Khai Xing to keep performing and enter higher-level World Tour tournaments.
The Indonesian coach did not deny the possibility that the pair could be split up in the future if the results do not match the targets set for them.
"We will see their progress, maybe in the next six months or so. They are a pair I want to have in big tournaments.
"Hopefully they can keep up. If not, then we see," he said.
The other seven pairs who have qualified for the All-England are Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Goh Sze Wei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Roy King, Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, Mohd Haikal Junaidi-Choong Hon Jian and Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin.
