Malaysian youngsters Khai Xing-Aaron stun world No. 7 pair to reach Singapore Open quarters

Young Malaysian badminton pair Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai have caused a major upset at the Singapore Open, defeating the world's seventh-ranked doubles team. The unseeded Malaysians, ranked 27th globally, overcame Indonesia's Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani with a decisive 21-19, 21-17 victory in just 38 minutes.

This win is particularly sweet for Khai Xing and Aaron Tai, as it avenges a previous loss to the same Indonesian pair at last year's Macau Open. The victory levels their head-to-head record to 1-1 and marks a significant milestone for the duo, propelling them into the quarterfinals of a prestigious Super 750 tournament for the first time in their careers.

In the quarterfinals, the Malaysian pair, coached by Herry Iman Pierngadi, will face a formidable challenge. They are set to play either the world's fourth-ranked team, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty of India, or the 16th-ranked Taiwanese duo Lee Jhe Huei-Yang Po Hsuan. If they meet the Indian pair, Khai Xing and Aaron Tai will draw confidence from their earlier upset victory over them in the All England Championships in March. Should they face the Taiwanese pair, it will be their first international encounter.