Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing, one of eight Malaysian pairs in the men’s doubles draw – and the lowest-ranked of the eight – scored big at their first YONEX All England, taking down No.4 seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty in straight games.

The 2024 world junior champions survived a close first game before easing through in the second, 23-21 21-12, in one of the big upsets of the first round.

“I’m very happy we were able to win the match because this is our first All England. So we just tried to enjoy it,” said Kang.

“We had to take it step by step and not think too much.”

“We didn’t expect too much, just play what we had trained for,” added his partner.

Among the other significant results early on the second day was Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva’s takedown of seventh seeds Li Yi Jing/Luo Xu Min in straight games, their third win over the Chinese in four meetings.

The Chinese have been playing with different partners this year, and the Stoevas mostly had the match under control, except for a while in the second game when Li/Luo overturned a four-point deficit to level at 12.

“We know the Chinese pair pretty well,” said Stefani. “We faced them three times before so I knew it will be tough match. I just didn’t want to put any pressure on myself or Gabby. Just go on court, enjoy being here in Birmingham to play the All England. The conditions are really nice, to see so many people here in the venue to support the players and also to see Bulgarian people here supporting us, it’s really amazing.”

→ Results 

→ Order of Play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“It’s a dream come true to play here. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid and it’s a pleasure to play in front of so many people. Of course I’m going to watch the match tonight. They are my team.” – Alwi Farhan after defeating Ayush Shetty 19-21 21-9 21-17 in his opening match, speaks about watching his favourite football team Manchester United

“This is my last target – to win an All England title. I have medals at the World Championships and the Olympics.  I have seen many Thai players compete at the All England. There’s a lot of pressure on me and I want to do my best.” – Kunlavut Vitidsarn shares his goals after outclassing Lu Guang Zu 21-15 21-10

“I honestly can’t recall because each point was quite long, To be able to play matches like this at the All England means a lot and I’m looking forward to the next round.” – Loh Kean Yew reacts to a question on the brilliant rallies between him and Kodai Naraoka after an epic 93-minute marathon the Singaporean won 14-21 21-19 24-22

“I felt like I had nothing to lose. I’m a challenger. That was my attitude going in, just be proactive, go forward.” – Riko Gunji after ousting fifth seed Han Yue 20-22 21-17 21-18 in her maiden All England appearance