PETALING JAYA: Rising men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing will attempt another giant-killing act today when they square off against India’s world No. 4 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty in the Singapore Open quarter-finals.
The Malaysian world No. 27 stunned world No. 7 Indonesians Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza in the second round yesterday, winning 21-19, 21-17.
It was Aaron-Khai Xing’s second win against a top 10 pair, following their breakthrough win against Satwiksairaj-Chirag in the opening round of the All-England in March.
World junior champions Aaron-Khai Xing’s progress has now set up a rematch with Satwiksairaj-Chirag, who beat Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei-Yang Po-hsuan to advance.
Their win over Sabar-Moh was sweet revenge for the loss they suffered at the Macau Open last year.
Aaron said the key to their impressive run so far in Singapore is staying consistent regardless of who they face.
“The key was our consistency in our game and communication on court.
“I believe that if we can be more consistent, we would go even further,” he said.
Aaron added that the gusty conditions have not been a bother for the duo, who are making their environment work to their advantage.
“I feel that we have an advantage in our ability to adapt quite fast to the conditions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khai Xing said it was a positive sign to see their training efforts materialise into results.
“We are happy with our performance so far because what we have been training for is showing results.
“We are consistent but need to keep working on it,” he said.
