French Open 2026: Aaron Tai-Roy King Beat Higher-Ranked to Set Up Clash With Top Seeds
Malaysia’s Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King beat a higher-ranked United States pair in three games at the French Open 2026 and will face top seeds Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae next.
Three-Game Win in Paris
Malaysia’s new men’s doubles pair Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King are through to the second round of the French Open. In their first-round match, they beat a United States pair 21-18, 18-21, 21-12.
It was the first time the two pairs had met. The American pair are ranked No. 30 in the world, 65 places higher than the Malaysians.
Rising Fast After Arctic Open Win
Tai and Yap are one of the fastest-rising pairs in badminton. Two weeks ago, they surprised many fans by winning the Arctic Open in Finland. Their world ranking has now climbed to No. 95.
Big Test Against Top Seeds
The Malaysians will face their toughest challenge yet in the second round. They will play South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, who are the defending champions and the top seeds in Paris. The match will be a big test of how far the new pair have come.