Kang Khai Xing & Aaron Tai Prize Money for Winning the Syed Modi International
LUCKNOW, INDIA – In a dazzling display of speed, precision, and youthful exuberance, Malaysia’s rising badminton stars Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai captured their maiden BWF World Tour title at the 2025 Syed Modi India International on Sunday. The former World Junior Champions proved they are ready for the senior stage by dismantling their compatriots, Chia Weijie and Lwi Sheng Hao, in a straight-sets victory that lasted just 33 minutes.
The victory at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium marks a significant milestone in the careers of the young duo, who have been steadily climbing the ranks of international badminton. By securing the Super 300 crown, Kang and Tai not only cemented their status as Malaysia’s next big hope in men’s doubles but also took home a handsome paycheck for their efforts.
Dominance in the Final
The all-Malaysian final was highly anticipated, promising a showcase of the country’s deepening talent pool in the men’s doubles department. However, Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai wasted no time in asserting their authority. The pair, seeded sixth for the tournament, stormed out of the gates in the first game, overwhelming the third-seeded combination of Chia and Lwi with aggressive front-court play and sharp smashes.
The opening game was a one-sided affair, with Kang and Tai conceding only nine points to take it 21-9. Their opponents, who had shown excellent form throughout the week to reach the final, struggled to find a rhythm against the relentless pace set by the younger pair.
The second game proved to be a tighter contest. Chia Weijie and Lwi Sheng Hao regrouped, offering stiffer resistance and turning the match into a genuine battle. The senior compatriots pushed Kang and Tai, trading points and keeping the scoreline close. However, the World Junior Champions displayed composure beyond their years in the critical closing stages. holding their nerve to seal the game 21-19, thus clinching the championship without dropping a single game in the final.
This victory was a repeat of the Malaysia Super 100 final held the previous month in Johor, where Kang and Tai had also defeated Chia and Lwi. Sunday’s win in Lucknow, however, carries the weight of a higher-tier BWF World Tour Super 300 title, signaling their arrival on the bigger stage.
The Financial Reward
Beyond the trophy and the ranking points, the victory came with a significant financial boost. The Syed Modi International 2025 offered a total prize pool of USD 240,000.
For their triumph in the men’s doubles category, Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai were awarded the champion’s prize of USD 18,960.
Using the currency conversion rate of 1 USD = 4.13 MYR, the duo’s earnings translate to approximately RM 78,304.80.
Prize Money Breakdown:
- Total Tournament Prize Pool: USD 240,000
- Men’s Doubles Champions Share: USD 18,960
- Conversion Rate: 1 USD = 4.13 MYR
- Total Earnings in Ringgit: RM 78,304.80
Their opponents, runners-up Chia Weijie and Lwi Sheng Hao, did not leave empty-handed, taking home a consolidation prize of USD 9,120 (approximately RM 37,665.60), making it a lucrative weekend for the Malaysian contingent in India.
A Bright Future for Malaysian Doubles
The success of two Malaysian pairs reaching the final highlights the robust state of the nation’s men’s doubles sector. For Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai, the transition from junior dominance to senior success appears to be moving at an accelerated pace.
Winning a Super 300 title so early in their senior career is a feat that many top pairs take years to achieve. Their performance in Lucknow—marked by speed, tactical maturity, and the ability to close out tight games—suggests they have the potential to challenge the world’s elite pairs in the higher-tier Super 500 and Super 1000 tournaments in the near future.
As the 2025 season progresses, fans will be keen to see if Kang and Tai can maintain this momentum. For now, they return to Malaysia as champions, RM 78,000 richer and with the confidence that they belong at the top tier of international badminton.
