PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Games (Sukma) mixed doubles badminton final today will see close friends Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing on opposite sides of the net at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam.
The two men’s doubles players made history together when they won the world junior title in 2024, but are currently playing with different partners following a major reshuffle in the national squad under head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.
At Sukma, Aaron is partnering Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan for Melaka as they look to retain the gold medal they won in Sarawak two years ago.
Khai Xing, meanwhile, will partner Chan Wen Tse as they bid to deliver the gold for Kelantan.
Aaron does not want the pressure of defending the title to affect them, especially with his close friend on the opposite side of the net.
“We just want to enjoy the match. To be honest, we are not even thinking about the title,” said Aaron.
Aaron-Noraqilah booked their place in the final after beating Penang’s Tan Zhi Yang-Nicole Tan 21-15, 21-16.
Khai Xing-Wen Tse also overcame Penang opposition, beating Nixon Ang-Tan Zhing Hui 21-7, 21-13.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles final will be an all-Federal Territories affair with Bryan Jeremy Goonting-Low Han Chen and teammates Damien Ling-Ethan Oh.
In the women’s doubles, defending champions Low Zi Yu-Dania Sofea Zaidi of Johor were knocked out after losing 14-21, 21-15, 18-21 to Perak’s Chong Jie Yu-Vanee Gobi, who will face Federal Territories’ Leong Hwee Ling-Teh Xin Ying next.
In the men’s singles, Selangor’s Mohd Haziq Najib will face Ayu Fu Sheng of Negri Sembilan in the title match while Siti Zulaikha Azmi faces Lee Kay Xin in the women’s singles final.
