PETALING JAYA: Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing believe they know what it takes to overcome teammates Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King when the two Malaysian pairs clash today for a place in the Malaysian Masters quarter-finals at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Aaron-Khai Xing are determined to break into the last eight after suffering a controversial defeat to Denmark’s Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard in last year’s edition.
With another opportunity now within reach, the pair are confident they have done enough homework on their senior teammates – although they were keeping their plans under wraps.
“Secret,” said Khai Xing when asked what they needed to do to beat Arif-Roy King. “I think whoever prepares better will win,” he added.
The pair also enjoy the advantage of an extra day to sharpen their preparations, while head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is expected to remain neutral and stay off both courtside benches during the all-Malaysian showdown.
The two pairs met at the Thailand Open last year, with Arif-Roy King coming out on top.
Aaron-Khai Xing advanced to the second round after beating Taiwan’s Lai Po-yu-Tsai Fu-cheng 17-21, 21-19, 21-16, while Arif-Roy King defeated another Taiwanese pair, He Zhi-wei-Huang Jui-hsuan 21-19, 15-21, 21-11.
Malaysia are also assured of another quarter-final spot when Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani take on Chia Weijie-Teo Ee Yi in another all-Malaysian clash.
The match promises to be an intriguing one as both independent pairs train under the guidance of coach Teo Kok Siang.
Earlier, Sze Fei-Izzuddin beat Putra Erwiansyah-Bagas Maulana 21-16, 21-14, while Weijie-Ee Yi defeated Canada’s Kevin Lee-Ty Lindeman 21-18, 21-15. Veterans Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub will also be in action in the second round against Americans Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith.
