KUMAMOTO, Japan — Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King have emerged as Malaysia’s last men’s doubles hope at the Kumamoto Masters 2026 after delivering another stunning performance against established opponents.
The rising Malaysian duo, known as Aaron-Roy King, defeated world No. 5 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 21-14, 21-15 in just 28 minutes to secure their quarter-final spot.
With Wei Chong–Kai Wun also eliminated, the young national pair now carry Malaysia’s hopes of extending its impressive Kumamoto semi-final record.
Aaron-Roy King Continue Remarkable Rise
Playing in only their fifth tournament together, Aaron-Roy King have already made a strong impression on the international circuit.
Their victory over Sze Fei-Izzuddin was their highest-ranked scalp yet and their second success against a top-10 combination.
The Malaysians previously defeated Indonesia’s world No. 7 Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani on their way to the Hylo Open semi-finals.
Their partnership began with an Arctic Open title last month, followed by another impressive run in Germany.
Now ranked world No. 57, the pair are rapidly building momentum towards the top 32.
Taiwanese Challenge Awaits in Quarter-Finals
Aaron-Roy King will face Taiwan’s world No. 15 Lee Jhe Huei and Yang Po Hsuan in Friday’s quarter-finals.
Although the Taiwanese pair won bronze at the World Championships, their recent performances have been inconsistent, including three consecutive first-round exits before reaching the Hylo Open last 16.
Friday’s encounter will be the first meeting between the two combinations.
A victory would send Aaron-Roy King into another semi-final and strengthen their growing reputation as one of Malaysia’s most promising men’s doubles partnerships.
Malaysia’s Kumamoto Streak on the Line
Malaysia has produced at least one men’s doubles semi-finalist at every Kumamoto Masters since 2023.
Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi began the streak, followed by Wee Kiong-Azriyn in 2024 and Sze Fei-Izzuddin in 2025.
Elsewhere, Wei Chong-Kai Wun exited after losing 15-21, 18-21 to Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard.
In mixed doubles, Hoo Pang Ron–Lai Pei Jing also bowed out following a 12-21, 19-21 defeat to China’s Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin.
With Malaysia’s other representatives eliminated, Aaron-Roy King face a crucial test as they chase another milestone in their remarkable partnership.
Can Malaysia’s rising stars keep the Kumamoto semi-final streak alive?
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