Aaron-Roy King Seek Historic Japan Masters Title Against Japan’s Top Pair

Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King are one win away from becoming the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to capture the Japan Masters title, setting up a final clash against Japan’s top pair, Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium.

The Malaysian duo advanced to the final by defeating Denmark’s Mads Vestergaard and Daniel Lundgaard 21-18, 21-18 in the semi-finals, according to The Star report. In doing so, Aaron and Roy King became the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to reach the Japan Masters final since the tournament started in 2023.

The odds favor the Japanese duo, who enjoy home support and a higher standing in the world rankings. Hoki and Kobayashi are ranked world No. 10, whereas Aaron and Roy King, who only joined forces last month, sit at No. 57.

Hoki and Kobayashi have historically proved difficult for Malaysia’s senior pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik by winning nine out of 13 meetings, though Aaron and Wooi Yik defeated them in the first round of last month’s Denmark Open.

Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun also secured a win against the Japanese pair in the second round of the French Open before winning that title, giving the Malaysian coaching team tactical pointers.

Men’s doubles coach Chang Kim Wai, who is accompanying the pair in Kumamoto, said that he would consult national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky and head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi before finalizing a game plan.

“I will see what coaches Herry and Rexy have to say about tomorrow’s (today’s) match,” said Kim Wai when contacted.

Kim Wai also addressed the tough semi-final battle against the world No. 14 Danes, who had previously eliminated Malaysian pairs Tan Wee Kiong and Nur Azriyn Ayub in the first round alongside Wei Chong and Kai Wun in the second round.

“If they had panicked even a little or lost their focus, it would have been difficult for them to win.”

Kim Wai said.

“But both of them stayed really focused and played well. The Danish pair caused a lot of problems at the net.”

he added.