Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing Earn Approval, Eye Orleans Masters Success

PETALING JAYA – Malaysia’s rising men’s doubles pair, Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing, are poised to compete in the Orleans Masters, commencing Tuesday, March 17, in France, bolstered by the endorsement of national doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. The duo’s recent performances at the All-England Open in Birmingham and the Swiss Open in Basel have impressed the coaching staff.

Strong European Showing

Herry praised the pair’s ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents on the international stage, stating, “They did well in the last two Europe tournaments and I hope they can maintain their performance heading into the Orleans Masters.”

All-England Breakthrough

At the All-England Open, the world No. 27 pair achieved a notable upset by defeating the world No. 4 Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in the opening round. Despite a subsequent loss to China’s Chen Boyang and Liu Yi in the round of 16, their performance was lauded by Herry. “The All-England is a high-level tournament, and Aaron-Khai Xing set on such a good performance there,” Herry commented. “It was their first time there and they delivered a strong showing by defeating the Indian pair, who are ranked fourth. That’s not straightforward. It’s something even our senior players struggle with.”

Swiss Open Consistency

Continuing their momentum at the Swiss Open, Aaron-Khai Xing secured victories against Indonesian pairs Rian Ardianto-Rahmat Hidayat and Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana in the initial rounds before falling to Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard in the quarter-finals. Herry highlighted their consistency, adding, “In Switzerland, they played consistently and defeated two senior pairs from Indonesia.”

Orleans Masters First Round

Seeded seventh in the Orleans Masters, Aaron-Khai Xing will face Russia’s Rodion Alimov and Maksim Ogloblin in the first round.

Thomas Cup Contenders

The progress of Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing is also relevant to the selection process for the Thomas Cup Finals, with competition intensifying for the third men’s doubles pair. Whereas Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are under consideration, their recent form has been inconsistent according to The Star. Herry indicated that the final decision will be made by management, taking into account current world rankings, with Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun already confirmed for the squad.