Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing progressed to the second round of the Indonesia Open after receiving a walkover against India’s Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy on Wednesday.
In the opening-round match at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, the former world junior champions were leading 11-6 in the first game when the Indian duo were forced to retire.
Rankireddy appeared to be struggling with a right shoulder injury, prompting the match to be halted before the Indian pair decided they could not continue.
Although the contest ended prematurely, Aaron and Khai Xing displayed encouraging form and a confident performance, which could provide them with a valuable boost heading into the next round.
The world No. 23 pair will now face another Indian combination, Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun, who defeated Malaysian professional duo Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong in their first-round clash.
Also advancing to the next stage were Malaysian mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron and Lai Pei Jing, who secured a convincing 21-17, 21-9 victory over Indonesia’s Marwan Faza and Aisyah Pranata.
