Aaron Tai and Kang Khi Xing, Malaysia’s boys’ doubles pair, lived up to their top-seed status by advancing to the final of the World Junior Championships 2024 in Nanchang, China.
Despite being favorites to overcome China’s No. 2 duo, Chen Yong Rui and Chen Zhe Han, the Malaysian pair had to dig deep to secure a hard-fought 21-18, 10-21, 21-15 victory in a 58-minute semi-final.
Khai Xing expressed relief after their tough match, particularly after staging a comeback in the decisive third game. “I am very happy because we managed to overcome our nerves and make a strong comeback to reach the final,” he said. “We relied more on our attacking game to win the match.”
In the title showdown, Aaron and Khai Xing will face familiar rivals, Hu Ke Yuan and Lin Xiang Yi of China, in a rematch of the Asian Junior Championships final. The Malaysians will be looking to avenge their earlier defeat to the Chinese pair, who comfortably advanced to the final by defeating Japan’s Kenta Matsukawa and Yuto Nakashizu 21-17, 21-5 in their semi-final.
The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Aaron and Khai Xing seeking redemption and their first world junior title.
Credit Photo : Badminton Asia
