PETALING JAYA: The decision to keep Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King together as a permanent pair continues to pay dividends as the young shuttlers go from strength to strength.
Determined to prove their worth, Aaron-Roy King produced a stellar performance to oust top seeds Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza of Indonesia 22-20, 21-19 to reach the Hylo Open quarter-finals on Thursday.
They will face fifth seeds Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Wang Chi-lin of Taiwan for a place in the semi-finals at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrucken, Germany.
One of the standout features of their victory over the Indonesians was 20-year-old Aaron’s impressive serving skills, which repeatedly earned valuable points for the Malaysian pair.
Head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi was full of praise for Aaron, even putting his serving ability on par with that of senior shuttler Aaron Chia.
“At the moment, I consider both the senior and junior Aaron to be the best servers in Malaysia,” said Herry.
“In Indonesia, those who excel in this area are Kevin (Sanjaya), Fikri (Shohibul) and Leo (Rolly).
“What sets their serves apart from others is the way they make the shuttle spin.”
The Hylo Open is only Aaron and his 25-year-old partner Roy King’s fourth tournament together.
Yet, the duo have shown remarkable maturity since first joining forces at the Asia Team Championships in February.
After the team stint, Herry had paired them with different partners over the past five months before deciding that they were better off together.
“They have proven themselves and will remain as a permanent pair,” said Herry.
The duo have been in fine form throughout October, winning the Arctic Open before showing great fighting spirit at the Denmark and French Opens, although they bowed out in the second round of both tournaments.
Aaron-Roy King, who has moved 21 rungs to the 74th spot in the world rankings, have a good opportunity to go all the way at the Hylo Open and put the finishing touches on an encouraging European swing for Malaysia’s men’s doubles department.
Meanwhile, hope is also on Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing to win against Chan Yin Chak-Ng Tsz Yau of Hong Kong in the last eight of the mixed doubles event.
The challenge is over in the women’s doubles for Malaysia as Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee fought hard but failed to clear the second round after going down to eighth seeds Yeung Nga Ting-Yeung Pui Lam of Hong Kong 16-21, 21-11, 20-22.
(Malaysians only)
SECOND ROUND
Men’s doubles: Aaron Tai-Yap Roy King bt Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza (Ina) 22-20, 21-19
Women’s doubles:Yeung Nga Ting-Yeung Pui Lam (Hkg) bt Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee 16-21, 21-11, 20-22.
