KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s doubles Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing moved within one match of securing a hat-trick of titles in India after battling into the Odisha Masters final on Saturday.
World No. 36 Aaron-Khai Xing were given a run for their money by Thailand’s world No. 64 Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Worrapol Thongsanga before winning 21-19, 21-19 to book their place in the final.
The Malaysians had already clinched the Super 300 Syed Modi International and Super 100 Guwahati Masters, and will be aiming for an unprecedented feat of winning a third consecutive World Tour title in the final on Sunday.
Aaron-Wooi Yik, who have also won the Malaysia Super 100 in October, will face Indonesia’s world No. 104 Ali Faathir Rayhan-Devin Wahyudi in the title showdown.
Meanwhile, rising women’s pair Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee stormed into their second consecutive final in Odisha.
World No. 26 Carmen-Xin Yee were in their element as they defeated India’s world No. 56 Ashwini Bhat-Shika Gautham 21-13, 21-16 in 36 minutes.
The Malaysian pair lost to Indonesia’s world No. 36 Isyana Syahira Meida-Rinjani Kwinnara Nastine in the Guwahati Masters final last week.
It will not be any easier for Carmen-Xin Yee in Odisha when they take on four-time European champions and world No. 12 Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva in the title showdown on Sunday.
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