KUALA LUMPUR: Scratch men's doubles pair Kang Khai Xing–Lok Hong Quan's gallant run at the Malaysia Super 100 ended in the semi-finals on Saturday.
The sixth seeds fell 21–15, 21–10 to South Korea's fifth seeds Jin Yong–Jo Song Hyun in 30 minutes at the Indoor Arena, EduCity Sports Complex, in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
Their defeat ended Malaysia's challenge, making this the first edition without a Malaysian champion since the tournament began in 2023.
Playing their first tournament together, Khai Xing–Hong Quan were the only Malaysians to reach the last four after mixed doubles pair Liew Xun–Nicole Tan and women's pair Dania Sofea Zaidi–Tan Zhing Hui exited in the quarter-finals.
Malaysia claimed two titles at the inaugural edition in 2023 through Leong Jun Hao in men's singles and Chan Peng Soon–Cheah Yee See in mixed doubles.
The hosts secured another two crowns in 2024, with Low Hang Yee–Ng Eng Cheong winning the men's doubles and Go Pei Kee–Teoh Mei Xing taking the women's doubles.
Last year, Khai Xing partnered Aaron Tai to the men's doubles title, beating compatriots Chia Wei Jie–Lwi Sheng Hao in the final.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd