Aaron-Khai Xing stun seniors Azriyn-Wee Kiong in Singapore Open opener

KUALA LUMPUR: Former world junior champions Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing avenged a previous defeat to world No. 23 compatriots Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong on Tuesday, dumping their compatriots out of the Singapore Open in the opening round.

The world No. 27 won 21-15, 21-17 in 30 minutes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium to settle the score from their last encounter at the 2023 Malaysia Super 100.

Aaron-Khai Xing have shown flashes of brilliance this season, notably upsetting India’s world No. 4 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty at the All England in March.

However, they have struggled for consistency, suffering first- or second-round exits at five of their six World Tour events.

A good run in Singapore, starting with their second-round clash against Indonesia’s world No. 7 Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani on Thursday, could provide the competitive spark they need for the rest of the year.

Meanwhile, Rio 2016 Olympics silver medallist Goh V Shem followed his former partner Wee Kiong out of the tournament.

V Shem and South Korean partner Choi Sol Gyu lost 14-21, 21-18, 21-15 to Taiwan’s He Zhi Wei-Huang Jui Hsuan in 50 minutes.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times