Doubles Pair Faces Delayed Thomas Cup Debut

PETALING JAYA – National men’s doubles pair Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing are showing promise, but will have to wait for their opportunity to compete in the Thomas Cup Finals, according to national doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.

The decision comes after Aaron-Khai Xing’s second-round exit at the Orleans Masters in France on Thursday.

Coach Cites Lack of Experience

“It is not the right time for them to play in the Thomas Cup yet,”

Herry Iman Pierngadi

Herry emphasized the need for further experience at higher-level tournaments before considering them for Thomas Cup selection. He suggested they Maybe in the next two years, they will be ready to be fielded.

Contenders for Third Doubles Spot

With Aaron-Khai Xing not currently in contention, the third Thomas Cup doubles spot will be fiercely contested between Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (an independent pair) and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King (the national duo).

Selection will be based on performance at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12.

World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and No. 6 pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun have already secured their places in the team.

Recent Performance & Momentum

Despite the recent setback in Orleans, Aaron-Khai Xing have demonstrated strong form, including notable victories against high-ranked opponents during their European stint.

At the Orleans Masters, the world No. 26 duo lost 17-21, 13-21 in 32 minutes to Denmark’s Christian Faust Kjaer-Rasmus Kjaer, despite having previously defeated the Danes at the Indian International last November.

Their recent successes include a stunning first-round upset of world No. 4 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty of India at the All England tournament.

Other Malaysian Results at Orleans Masters

Other Malaysian players also competed at the Orleans Masters, with varying results:

• Justin Hoh (men’s singles) lost to Su Li-yang (Tpe) 16-21, 21-17, 22-20.
• Wong Ling Ching (women’s singles) lost to Malvika Bansod (Ind) 24-22, 21-13.
• Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting (women’s doubles) lost to Lauren Lam-Allison Lee (Aus) 21-23, 21-18, 22-20.

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