PETALING JAYA: National doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Aaron Tai are in the driving seat as the most potent and entertaining men’s doubles scratch pair formed this year.
The Aarons lit up the Taipei Arena this week with their great chemistry and dynamic attacking game to reach the final of the Taiwan Open.
The duo went down fighting 21-23, 19-21 to Indonesia’s Leo Carnando-Daniel Marthin yesterday, but not before coming close to causing the biggest upset in the finale.
Chia is 10 years older than the 19-year-old Tai but the duo were able to blend in well and show delicate touches and sharp movements to outfox their opponents occasionally.
The experienced Chia was hoping to win his first title in 15 months, having last triumphed with his world champion partner Soh Wooi Yik at the Singapore Open in May.
But the wait could soon be over if he and Tai continue to build on their growing chemistry.
Even national doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is relishing the prospect of the Aarons.
“Out of the many scratch pairings, Aaron Chia and Aaron Tai have shown the best chemistry so far,” said Herry.
“We did not get to see their true potential in their first tournament (China Open last week) but here in Taiwan, we can see good game plan from both of them.
“Chia and Tai have found the chemistry and I can see more maturity in Tai’s game. Mentally, both are strong.”
Chia-Tai made their debut as a pair at the China Open last week, but bowed out in the opening round.
The duo will remain together for the Korean Masters from Aug 4-9, but will be split again for the China Masters from Sept 1-6.
Chia will partner Man Wei Chong and Tai teams up with Soh Wooi Yik.
The other scratch pairs that have been tested before are Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun, Wei Chong-Wooi Yik, Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Kang Khai Xing, and Kai Wun-Yap Roy King to mention a few.
