{
  "id": 20137340,
  "title": "Aaron Tai dubbed 'new Kevin Sanjaya' after stunning Kumamoto triumph",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/aaron-tai-dubbed-new-kevin-sanjaya-after-stunning-kumamoto-triumph",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T07:49:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/11/1578355/aaron-tai-dubbed-new-kevin-sanjaya-after-stunning-kumamoto-triumph"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kuala Lumpur: Yap Roy King has labeled his partner Aaron Tai the new Kevin Sanjaya, drawing parallels with the Indonesian badminton sensation following their impressive victory at the Kumamoto Masters. The Malaysian duo, playing in their fifth World Tour event together, showcased an explosive performance by defeating former world champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi 16-21, 21-13, 21-15 in just 55 minutes. Aaron's exceptional reflexes, speed, and ability to finish off rallies have been likened to Kevin's signature style. Aaron-Roy King, just like their Indonesian counterparts, have claimed over 40 international titles before parting ways in 2024. The Malaysians, known for their compact stature, have earned several top-10 rankings, including a significant win over world No. 5 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and world No. 7 Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza Isfahani at the Hylo Open. Their coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, who discovered their potential during the European swing, remains optimistic about their potential and their upcoming matches, including the Super 500 Hong Kong Open.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Yap Roy King has dubbed his partner Aaron Tai the new “Kevin Sanjaya”, drawing comparisons with the explosive Indonesian men's doubles ace after the Malaysians added the Kumamoto Masters title to their growing collection on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Aaron Tai nicknamed \"new Kevin Sanjaya\" post Kumamoto win",
    "Malaysian pair defeats former world champs in 55 minutes",
    "Aaron-Roy King duo claim 40+ international titles"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Tai’s explosive style and rapid tournament success signal the emergence of a high-speed attacking force capable of challenging the established elite in the men's doubles circuit.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}