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NEW DELHI: Reigning world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik got off to a great start in the men’s doubles final of the India Open badminton championships in New Delhi today but failed to keep up the momentum, losing to the Chinese pair in three sets.

After winning the first game with much ease at 21-14, the world number six pair lost the remaining games at 19-21, 18-21 to Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang in a 63-minute tussle at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.

While the Malaysians looked strong initially, the Chinese pair, who are ranked number 11 in the world, played with a better pace to subdue them.

Wooi Yik admitted that although they gave their best, their rivals had the edge in terms of speed.

The Malaysians, who were bundled out in the second round at the Malaysia Open last week, said they won’t let this setback bother them too much as they continue to focus on the events ahead, especially their preparations to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.

“It’s important to keep believing in ourselves,” Aaron said.