French Open 2026: Aaron Tai-Roy King set up clash with world No.1s as Jun Hao exits

Malaysia's men's doubles pairs carried the flag on the opening day of the 2026 French Open in Paris on Tuesday, 20 October, with Aaron Tai-Roy King and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin both winning three-game battles at Arena Grand Paris. Singles player Leong Jun Hao and two mixed doubles pairs were less fortunate, all falling at the first hurdle of the Super 750 event.

Aaron Tai-Roy King earn a shot at the top seeds

Aaron Tai and Roy King needed 51 minutes to get past the United States pair Chen Zhi Yi and Presley Smith, winning 21-18, 18-21, 21-12. After dropping the second game, the Malaysians took control of the decider to book a second-round meeting with South Korea's world No.1 pair Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae.

It is a daunting assignment, but also the kind of match that can accelerate a young partnership's development. A competitive showing against the world's best would be a useful marker for the Malaysians heading into the final stretch of the season.

Sze Fei-Izzuddin survive a scare

Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani, among Malaysia's most experienced doubles combinations, were pushed hard by Denmark's Christian Faust Kjaer and Rasmus Kjaer before winning 21-17, 19-21, 21-17. Their next opponents will be Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard, who beat Chinese Taipei's Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan 21-18, 30-29 in one of the tightest finishes of the day.

Early exits for Jun Hao and mixed doubles pairs

Leong Jun Hao's struggles in Europe continued as he lost 15-21, 11-21 to Japan's Koki Watanabe in the men's singles. In women's singles, K. Letshaana went out in straight games to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong.

Both Malaysian mixed doubles pairs in action on the first day were also eliminated. Jimmy Wong and Cheng Su Yin lost 20-22, 18-21 to Indonesia's Amri Syahnawi and Nita Violina Marwah, while Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien went down 12-21, 10-21 to Chinese Taipei's Wu Guan Xun and Lee Chia Hsin.

Playing on despite unrest in France

The tournament began against a backdrop of protests across France over the weekend. The Badminton Association of Malaysia said all 14 Malaysian entries were proceeding as planned and that the Malaysian Embassy in Paris had been informed of the squad's presence. BAM secretary Kenny Goh said: "For now, nobody has withdrawn."

The French Open runs until Sunday, 25 October, with total prize money of US$950,000. Several other Malaysian entries, including Denmark Open champions Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, are due to begin their campaigns in the opening round.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Tai-Roy King beat Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith 21-18, 18-21, 21-12.
• They next face world No.1s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea.
• Sze Fei-Izzuddin beat the Kjaer pair 21-17, 19-21, 21-17 and meet Lundgaard-Vestergaard.
• Leong Jun Hao, K. Letshaana and two mixed doubles pairs lost on day one.
• BAM confirmed no Malaysian withdrawals despite unrest in France.

FAQ

Q: Who do Aaron Tai and Roy King play in the French Open second round? A: South Korea's world No.1 men's doubles pair Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae.

Q: Where and when is the 2026 French Open being held? A: At Arena Grand Paris in Tremblay-en-France, from 20 to 25 October 2026.

Q: Did any Malaysian players withdraw because of protests in France? A: No. The Badminton Association of Malaysia said none of its 14 entries had withdrawn and the embassy had been notified.

Sources: Bernama, The Star, Badminton Europe, BWF