KUALA LUMPUR – National junior men’s doubles shuttlers Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai just bagged the biggest title in their young careers by winning the Thailand International Challenge at the Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima today.
The 17-year-olds had a daunting task ahead of them facing home pair Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul ranked 58 in the world.
However, the world number 167 Malaysians won the match in straight sets 21-17, 21-18 in 36 minutes.
Sealing the first set was not an issue for Khai Xing-Aaron but the Thais made it a tight game in the second.
Both pairs had trouble holding their serve and were trading points up until 18 all.
Teeraratsakul then sent a backhand drive long for the Malaysians to take a 19-18 lead.
Khai Xing-Aaron did not look back from there and sealed their first International Challenge title and second win from three tournaments.
Earlier this month, the pair had won the Dutch Junior International and finished runners-up at the German Junior. – March 31, 2024