Lucknow, India — Malaysia enjoyed another proud moment in the world of badminton as Aaron Tai–Kang Khai Xing delivered a superb performance to lift their first-ever BWF World Tour Super 300 title at the 2025 Syed Modi International. The Malaysian pair defeated their compatriots Chia Wei Jie–Lwi Sheng Hao, the world No. 45 pair, in Sunday’s men’s doubles final.
Ranked No. 57 in the world, Aaron Tai–Kang Khai Xing needed only 32 minutes to seal a convincing 21–9, 21–19 victory at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium. The win not only gives them their maiden Super 300 triumph but also marks their second straight victory over Wei Jie–Sheng Hao, following last month’s meeting in the Malaysian Super 100 final.
🎥 Watch the Men’s Doubles Final Highlights
Fast Start and a Composed Finish
The Malaysian winners wasted no time stamping their authority, racing to a 21–9 opening game in just 11 minutes with crisp front-court interceptions and quick transitions.
The second game was more competitive as Wei Jie–Sheng Hao pushed the pace and narrowed the gap. However, Aaron Tai–Kang Khai Xing tightened their game at crucial moments and held firm to complete the match 21–19.
Their victory earned them USD 18,960 (RM 78,352), while Wei Jie–Sheng Hao claimed USD 9,120 (RM 37,688) as runners-up.
Malaysia’s success in this event continues a recent trend, following earlier wins by Choong Hon Jian–Muhammad Haikal Nazri in 2023 and Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun in 2022.
Men’s Singles: Jason Gunawan Edges Kidambi Srikanth in Thriller
Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth narrowly missed out on ending his eight-year title drought, falling 16–21, 21–8, 22–20 to Hong Kong China’s Jason Gunawan in an intense men’s singles final.
🎥 Watch the Men’s Singles Final Highlights
Srikanth, champion here in 2016, looked strong after taking the second game and forcing a decider. He even saved a match point to push it to a tie-break, but Gunawan’s composure sealed the upset. The result marks Srikanth’s first loss in three meetings against the Hong Kong China shuttler.
Women’s Singles: Japan’s Hina Akechi Triumphs
In women’s singles, Japan’s No. 5 seed Hina Akechi produced a steady and controlled performance to beat Turkey’s Neslihan Arin 21–16, 21–14. The victory gives Akechi a well-deserved Super 300 title to close out her campaign in Lucknow.
Women’s Doubles: Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand Defend Their Title
India celebrated a major highlight when world No. 14 pair Treesa Jolly–Gayatri Gopichand successfully defended their women’s doubles crown.
They overcame Japan’s No. 8 seeds Kaho Osawa–Mai Tanabe in a long and physical 17–21, 21–13, 21–15 battle lasting 76 minutes. Their win also makes them the first Indian doubles pair to claim a BWF World Tour title in 2025, adding to India’s limited list of titles this season.
Mixed Doubles: Indonesia Take Home the Trophy
Indonesia’s No. 8 seeds Dejan Ferdinansyah–Bernadine Anindya Wardana wrapped up the mixed doubles final with an impressive 21–19, 21–16 win over Thailand’s No. 7 seeds Pakkapon Teeraratsakul–Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
The 2025 Syed Modi International delivered a thrilling week of world-class badminton, showcasing rising stars and seasoned names across multiple categories. For Malaysia, the emergence of Aaron Tai–Kang Khai Xing as Super 300 champions is one of the standout badminton news stories of the season—and a promising sign for their future on the BWF World Tour.
