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National junior head coach Jeffer Rosobin is optimistic about the newly crowned world junior champions Aaron Tai and Khai Xing becoming a formidable duo at the senior level.
The pair demonstrated their top seed status in boys’ doubles by defeating the Asian Junior champions from China, Hu Keyuan and Lin Xiangyi, with a score of 21-18, 15-21, 21-18 in an exhilarating final on Sunday. This victory marked Malaysia’s first title in the tournament in six years.
Before them, the last Malaysian champion was Goh Jin Wei, who won the girls’ singles crown in 2018.
Aaron and Khai Xing are the first Malaysians since Nelson Heg and Teo Ee Yi in 2011 to clinch the boys’ doubles title. Following their impressive junior careers, Jeffer is eager for them to evolve into a top-tier pair.
“Aaron and Khai Xing were focused, brave, and consistent, which led them to victory,” stated Jeffer. “I believe they can further enhance their skills at the senior level; they possess the qualities needed to succeed.”
The duo has already shown their potential by winning their first senior title at the Thailand International Challenge in March. They have also begun participating in World Tour Super 300 and 500 competitions this year and are currently ranked No. 72 globally.
Aaron and Khai Xing will compete next in the Malaysia Super 100 tournament, starting today at Stadium Juara.
In addition, Jeffer expressed satisfaction with the performance of the girls’ doubles team, Dania Sofea Zaidi and Low Zi Yu, who secured a silver medal at the world junior championships.
At just 14 years old, Zi Yu and Dania, who turns 17 next month, showcased exceptional maturity in their first international tournament together, reaching the final. The duo achieved a remarkable upset against China’s top seeds, Chen Fan Shutian and Liu Jiayue, in the semifinals, becoming the first girls’ doubles team since Pearly Tan and Toh Ee Wei in 2018 to advance to the final.
Although they lost to Japan’s Ririna Hiramoto and Aya Tamaki with scores of 17-21, 17-21 in the final, their performance was commendable.
“Overall, our players delivered extraordinary performances at this World Juniors,” noted Jeffer. “Zi Yu, only 14, managed to reach the final and win silver. Both she and Dania are incredibly talented and have the potential to develop into an excellent pair in the future.”
Malaysia had a successful campaign at the tournament, also securing a bronze medal in the mixed team event.
