Aaron-Roy King continue stunning run to reach Hylo Open semis

KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Tai-Yap Roy King are just two victories away from a remarkable second title in their first four tournaments together after extending their sensational European run at the Hylo Open in Saarbrucken, Germany, on Friday.

The world No. 74 continued to punch above their weight, producing another commanding display to dispatch Taiwan's fifth seeds Chiu Hsiang Chieh-Wang Chi Lin 21-16, 21-17 in 30 minutes in the quarter-finals.

It was their second consecutive victory over a world top-15 combination, having stunned Indonesia's world No. 7 and top seeds Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani 22-20, 21-19 in Thursday's second round.

Their latest triumph was particularly impressive as it came against a pair featuring two-time Olympic gold medallist Wang Chi Lin, who won both titles alongside former partner Lee Yang.

The result further underlined the remarkable progress of Aaron-Roy King, whose unexpected Arctic Open triumph earlier this month is increasingly looking like the beginning of something special.

Their performances have vindicated national men's doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi's decision to retain them as a permanent partnership following an experimental reshuffle.

Another title is now within reach, with Aaron-Roy King facing familiar opponents Christian Faust Kjaer-Rasmus Kjaer of Denmark in Saturday's semi-finals.

The world No. 26 Danes were among their victims during the Arctic Open title run, losing in the semi-finals in Finland.

A repeat victory would send the Malaysians into their second Super 500 final in four tournaments, where they would face either England's second seeds Ben Lane-Sean Vendy or France's Julien Maio-William Villeger.

Meanwhile, French Open runners-up Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing also advanced to the mixed doubles semi-finals after defeating Hong Kong's seventh seeds Chan Yin Chak-Ng Tsz Yau 21-17, 21-17.