PETALING JAYA: A lapse in focus during key moments cost Aaron Tai–Kang Khai Xing dearly as they surrendered control in their Singapore Open campaign despite a promising start.
The world No. 27 pair took the opening game but lost their rhythm as they went down 21-19, 17-21, 8-21 to India’s world No. 4 duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy–Chirag Shetty in the last eight at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Khai Xing admitted that a dip in concentration during the second game allowed the Indian pair to swing the match in their favour.
“I feel like in today’s (yesterday’s) match, I lost focus in the second game when we were leading, so they took the opportunity and won it,” said Khai Xing. The defeat was particularly disappointing for Aaron-Khai Xing, who had earlier stunned the Indian pair in the opening round of the All-England in March.
“We tried to play like we did at the All-England, but I think they had studied our game,” said Aaron.
“I feel like in the third set, we were a bit slow so they were able to get more points there.”
Despite the exit, the duo deserved a pat on their shoulders as they enjoyed a strong run – beating seniors Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub in the opening round before toppling Indonesia’s world No. 7 Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza to book their spots in the quarter-finals.
Khai Xing said the experience would serve as an important lesson for them heading into future tournaments.
“From this match, I’ve learned that even when we are leading by a big margin, we cannot lose focus,” said Khai Xing.
“We must stay focused on every point.”
Meanwhile, independent men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani put up a strong fight but were unable to overcome Indonesia’s world No. 3 duo Fajar Alfian–Shohibul Fikri, going down 18-21, 21-10, 14-21.
The defeat also saw Fajar–Shohibul edge ahead 2-1 in their head-to-head record, having previously beaten the Malaysians at the China Masters last September.
Malaysia’s campaign in the event came to a close after former world champions Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik suffered a straight-games 15-21, 15-21 loss to China’s world No. 5 pair Liang Weikeng–Wang Chang.
It was the Malaysian duo’s 11th defeat in 14 meetings against the Chinese duo.
The loss also ended Aaron–Wooi Yik’s bid to defend their Singapore Open title.
