KUALA LUMPUR: Newly crowned World Junior boys' doubles champions Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing want to emulate their idols, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
Aaron-Khai Xing came out tops at the World Juniors Championships in Nanchang, China, on Sunday, beating local favourites Hu Ke Yuan-Lin Xiang Yi 21-18, 15-21, 21-18 to end Malaysia's 13-year wait in the event.
Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi were the last Malaysian pair to win the boys' doubles crown, in 2011.
Khai Xing, who hails from Kelantan, said the calm demeanour of Aaron-Wooi Yik on and off the court is something they want to learn from in becoming a better pair.
World No. 4 Aaron-Wooi Yik were the first Malaysian pair to become world champions in 2022, and have also won two Olympic bronze medals.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik are our favourite pair and we hope we can improve and become like them in the next few years.
"I like the way they combine on the court and they are equally good in attack and defence," said Khai Xing upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik like to discuss and solve anything on and off the court, and this is something we can learn from.
"We also had the chance to train with them a bit before the World Juniors and got some motivation from them. I think we can learn more from them when we start training with the senior team."
Aaron is looking forward to continue his partnership with Khai Xing in their bid to make a name for themselves at senior level.
The Melaka-born player, who partnered with Bryan Goonting to win a bronze medal at the last World Juniors in Spokane, the United States, was happy to end his junior career with a gold.
"I partnered Bryan last year, but I think I have found the right combination with Khai Xing, I hope we can continue improving," said Aaron.
Boys' doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang said Aaron-Khai Xing had learnt a lot from Aaron-Wooi Yik, and that led to their World Juniors triumph.
"They wanted to make amends after losing to the China pair at the Asian Juniors in Yogyakarta (in June) and needed some inspiration, and they got it from Aaron-Wooi Yik," said Cheh Chang, who had also guided Tan Boon Heong-Hon Thien How to the 2004 World Junior title.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik had also spoken to them and motivated them. This really helped their confidence in Nanchang.
"They can become a quality senior pair and move up the world rankings, but it all depends on their desire."
Cheh Chang said Aaron-Khai Xing are very hardworking and disciplined, and that should give them a good start as a senior pair soon.