PETALING JAYA: Top national junior pair Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai are on the verge of winning their first senior title after checking into the Thailand International Challenge men’s doubles final in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday.
The unseeded Khai Xing-Aaron defeated Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Liu Kwang-heng of Taiwan 21-12, 22-20 in the semi-finals.
Lwi Sheng Hao-Jimmy Wong could not make it an all-Malaysian affair in the final after losing to second seeds Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakapon Teeraratsakul of Thailand 13-21, 14-21 in the other semi-final clash.
National junior chief coach Jeffer Rosobin said Khai Xing-Aaron had doubled their effort since finishing runners-up in the German Junior Open three weeks ago.
“They have shown some improvement but they can do better than this. Khai Xing-Aaron need to work on their speed and power to get better results,” said Jeffer.
“They may be lacking in experience but Khai Xing-Aaron have the consistency and quality to take their chances. The final looks open and they have a chance to win.”
A victory in the final would further boost their confidence ahead of the Asian Junior Championships in Yogjakarta from June 28-July 7 where Khai Xing-Aaron are Malaysia’s best bets for a title.
RESULTS
SEMI-FINALS
Men’s doubles: Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai bt Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Liu Kuang-heng (Tpe) 21-12, 22-20; Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakapon Teeraratsakul (Tha) bt Lwi Sheng Hao-Jimmy Wong 21-13, 21-14.
