Malaysia Regains World Junior Badminton Title in Boys’ Doubles
KUALA LUMPUR: After more than a decade, Malaysia has finally reclaimed its place as world junior badminton champions in the boys’ doubles following a sensational victory by Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing in Nanchang, China, today.
Thrilling Victory
The top seeds, Aaron-Khai Xing, survived a thrilling rubber game lasting 65 minutes against home favourites and second seeds Hu Ke Yuan-Lin Xiang Yi. After a fiery start, which saw Aaron-Khai Xing win the first game 21-18, things went south for them in the second game as they succumbed to a 15-21 loss before ultimately taking home the title with a 21-18 victory in the third game.
Redemption for Aaron
Aaron, 17, expressed his relief at having redeemed last year’s heartbreak, where he and his former partner, Bryan Goonting, could only secure a bronze medal after losing to Taiwan’s Lai Po Yu and Tsai Fu Cheng by 18-21, 21-15, 14-21 in the semi-finals.
Heartbreak for Girls’ Doubles Pair
However, in the girls’ doubles final, there was no fairy-tale ending for national pair Low Zi Yu-Dania Sofea Zaidi as they fell short against the fourth seeds from Japan, Ririna Hiramoto-Aya Tamaki. Despite the 17-21, 17-21 loss, the unseeded pair deserve a pat on their backs following a gallant run in their first major tournament, including creating a huge upset over the top seeds from China, Chen Fan Shu Tian-Liu Jia Yue, 16-21, 21-16, 21-17, in the last-four yesterday.
A New Era of Success
Today’s result mirrors the success of Pearly Tan-Toi Ee Wei, who were runners-up at the 2018 championships in Markham, Canada. This victory marks a new era of success for Malaysian badminton, with the country’s junior players continuing to make a name for themselves on the international stage.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s victory is a testament to the country’s commitment to developing its badminton talent. With this win, the country can look forward to a bright future in the sport, with Aaron-Khai Xing leading the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the boys’ doubles title at the World Junior Championships?
- Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing
- What was the score in the thrilling rubber game between Aaron-Khai Xing and Hu Ke Yuan-Lin Xiang Yi?
- 21-18, 15-21, 21-18
- Who are the last Malaysians to win the boys’ doubles title at the World Junior Championships?
- Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi (2011)
- Who are the winners of the girls’ doubles title at the 2018 World Junior Championships?
- Pearly Tan-Toi Ee Wei