Men’s doubles shuttler Lok Hong Quan enters the Malaysia Super 100 in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, with a new partner, Kang Khai Xing, aiming to inject fresh momentum into his professional career after eight years alongside Mohd Faiq Masawi, The Star reported.
Partnership Split Prompts Coaching Shift Under Herry Iman Pierngadi
The decision to split Lok and his long-time partner Faiq arrived after the pair struggled to make a consistent impact at higher-tier international tournaments. National coaching director Herry Iman Pierngadi and his coaching staff orchestrated the doubles reshuffle to spark new competitive energy within the national setup. Lok and Faiq previously claimed the gold medal at the 2024 Sarawak Malaysia Games (Sukma) and secured the Malaysian International Series title last September, but coaching leadership ultimately prioritized fresh pairings to test higher-level viability.
New Dynamics Alongside Defending Champion Kang Khai Xing
At 20 years old, Lok believes that linking up with Kang offers a valuable platform to assess his own playing deficiencies. Kang enters the partnership with established credentials on the circuit, having captured the Malaysia Super 100 crown last year alongside Aaron Tai. Speaking to The Star ahead of their opening match, Lok noted that sharing the court with a more experienced tournament winner provides an ideal environment to refine his tactical understanding and identify areas needing immediate development.
I think this is a good step for me. This is the second time I’ve had a new partner, so maybe through this I can understand what I’m lacking and what I need to improve,
Lok said, according to The Star report.
I also hope to understand myself better. To be honest, I’m not thinking too far ahead because I don’t want to put pressure on myself. I just want to give my best because this is the first time Khai Xing and I are playing together.
Malaysia Super 100 Opening Round Matches in Johor
Seeded sixth in the tournament draw, the newly minted combination of Lok Hong Quan and Kang Khai Xing will face Taiwan’s Su Ching-heng and Tang Kai-wei in their opening match. Meanwhile, Lok’s former partner Faiq has been paired with Wan Arif Wan Junaidi. Seeded seventh in the bracket, Faiq and Wan Arif are scheduled to open their campaign against China’s Lin Yifan and Yang Jiayi.
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