Aaron-Khai Xing use Aaron-Wooi Yik intel to stun Danes
KUALA LUMPUR: The road from junior glory to senior success is often a rocky one — and world No. 58 Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing know it all too well.
Crowned world junior champions just seven months ago, the highly touted men's pair have yet to make a real mark on the senior circuit.
Since their breakthrough in Spokane last October, they've only reached past the second round once in nine World Tour appearances — a quarter-final outing at the Syed Modi India International.
But perhaps, the Malaysia Masters could be the spark they need.
Playing in front of home fans at the Axiata Arena on Wednesday, Aaron-Khai Xing showed glimpses of their potential with a spirited comeback win over Denmark's world No. 50 William Kryger Boe-Christian Faust Kjaer — prevailing 12-21, 21-11, 21-17 to reach the second round.
It was a particularly encouraging result given that the Danes were runners-up to Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik at last week's Thailand Open.
"In the opening game, we were too passive and gave away too many opportunities," admitted Khai Xing.
"But our coach reminded us not to lift the shuttle too much and that worked well in the second game. We rode on that momentum in the decider to seal the win."
The pair also credited Aaron-Wooi Yik for offering valuable tips before the match.
"They had just played Boe-Kjaer a few days ago, so they gave us some insights which definitely helped," added Khai Xing.
As they continue their transition into the senior ranks, Aaron-Khai Xing are all too aware of the unforgiving nature of top-tier badminton — and the weight of expectations that comes with being world junior champions.
Malaysia's track record of turning junior success into senior triumph is mixed at best.
Apart from 2004 world junior champion Tan Boon Heong, who went on to win the Asian Games and reach world No. 1 with Koo Kien Keat, most have struggled to find lasting impact.
Names like Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang (2008), Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kah Ming (2009), Yew Hong Kheng (2010), and Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi (2011) all promised much but fizzled out before achieving sustained success.
Khai Xing understands the challenge ahead.
"There's a big difference between junior and senior levels," he said.
"The senior game is much faster and more powerful. You also need to adapt quickly to tactical changes. We still have a lot to learn from our seniors."
Aaron-Khai Xing will take on another Danish pair Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard for a place in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
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