PETALING JAYA: China’s newly formed mixed doubles duo Gao Jiaxuan-Wei Yaxin may be fresh but they are fast and furious in charging forward.
The pair continued their dream start together by capturing the Malaysian Masters title yesterday.
Competing in only their second outing, Jiaxuan-Yaxin clinched the Super 500 title after defeating Thailand’s Pakkapon Teeraratsakul-Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-13, 15-21, 21-11 in 58 minutes at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Their glorious run also included a victory over home favourites Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who they beat 21-18, 21-16 in the quarter-finals.
World No. 71 Jiaxuan-Yaxin made an impressive debut at the Thailand Open last week by reaching the quarter-finals.
Yaxin, who previously partnered Jiang Zhenbang, said that she is combining her experience well with Jiaxuan’s pace and attacking instincts.
“Things have been going well for us so far, I’m glad to have him (Jiaxuan) as my partner,” said the 26-year-old Yaxin.
Despite taking their first win, Yaxin admitted their form in the final was less than satisfactory but believes they can improve with more time.
“I think our overall form was pretty average, but we were able to show what we’re capable of,” she said.
“We lost a bit of patience in the second game, which gave our opponents the chance to catch up.”
Set to compete at the Super 750 Singapore Open starting tomorrow, the duo are excited to keep their stellar run going.
“The level of competition is going to be more intense in Singapore, but nothing is stopping us from going for it,” said Yaxin.
