KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing restored Malaysia's reputation as the most successful nation in the boys' doubles at the World Junior Championships (WJC) by clinching the title in Nanchang today.
The top seeds overcame China's Hu Ke Yuan-Lin Xiang Yi 21-18, 15-21, 21-18 in a thrilling final that lasted 65 minutes.
The victory also served as redemption for Aaron-Khai Xing, who had lost to the same Chinese pair in the final of the Asian Junior Championships in Yogyakarta in June.
This victory underlines the duo's potential to make waves on the senior international stage in the coming years.
It was also a significant achievement for Malaysia, who now boast eight boys' doubles titles at the WJC, one more than China after this latest triumph.
Aaron-Khai Xing also ended Malaysia's 13-year wait for the boys' title since Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi's success in Taiwan in 2011.
Aaron expressed relief and joy at avenging their Asian Junior defeat and fulfilling their dream of becoming world junior champions.
"I feel so happy and can't wait to return to Malaysia, see my family, and enjoy some home-cooked food. It's a dream come true after missing out on the Asian Junior title," said Aaron.
"We just didn't want to give up, even under pressure in the third game. We took it point by point."
For Khai Xing, the victory was especially sweet after his early exit in Spokane, USA, last year when he partnered Low Han Chen.
"Our game plan wasn't consistent in the second game, but I managed to calm myself down in the third," said Khai Xing.
"We've accomplished our mission at the junior level, and we hope to perform well as a senior pair in the future."