Malaysian Badminton Team Makes a Strong Start at the Badminton Asia Championships 2025

National Men’s Doubles Duo Shines in the Tournament

The Malaysian national men’s doubles duo, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, has made a commanding start to their Badminton Asia Championships 2025 campaign in Ningbo, China by marching to the second round today. The sixth-seeded pair toiled over a 40-minute duel before disposing of Japan’s Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura 21-18, 21-15 in straight sets, extending their unbeaten run against the Japanese combination to a dominant 4-0.

Indian Pair Next in Line

Next up for the former 2022 world champions in the second round are the lesser-known Indian pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan-Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, who outplayed Sri Lanka’s Madhuka Dulanjana-Lahiru Weerasinghe 21-3, 21-12.

National Number One Women’s Doubles Pair Faces Setback

Despite their best efforts, national number one women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, once again found themselves up against a brick wall as they were unable to break the jinx against Kim Hye Jeong-Kong Hee Yong, losing 19-21, 26-28 in 58 minutes. This marks their third straight loss to the South Korean pair, who first took them down in the semi-finals of the India Open 2025, 21-18, 21-18, last January.

National Men’s Singles Player Faces Tough Opponent

It was a return to forget for national men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong, who was easily dispatched by reigning world champion and third seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, 9-21, 12-21, in 44 minutes. Previously, the 24-year-old was sidelined for more than a year since February 2024 due to a back injury.

Justin Hoh Keeps Malaysian Hopes Alive

Malaysia’s hopes in the men’s singles now rest on the shoulders of Justin Hoh, who staged a thrilling comeback in a 79-minute battle against South Korea’s Hyeok Jin Jeon. After a sluggish start, losing the first set 14-21, Justin roared back to life, clawing his way through the next two sets to win 22-20, 21-16. A mammoth challenge awaits the unseeded shuttler in the second round tomorrow as he will face defending champion and second-seeded Indonesian, Jonatan Christie, who came from behind to eliminate Japan’s Koki Watanabe, 16-21, 21-12, 21-18.

Leong Jun Hao’s Campaign Comes to an End

Earlier today, Leong Jun Hao’s campaign came to a premature end as the 25-year-old was shown the exit by Taiwan’s seventh seed, Lin Chun Yi, 11-21, 19-21.

Tournament Details

The tournament, which will run until this Sunday, offers a total prize pool of USD500,000 (RM2.23 million).

Conclusion

The Malaysian national badminton team has made a strong start to the Badminton Asia Championships 2025, with the men’s doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik leading the charge. Despite some setbacks, particularly in the women’s and men’s singles categories, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the tournament.

FAQs

Q: Who are the Malaysian national men’s doubles duo competing in the Badminton Asia Championships 2025?

A: The Malaysian national men’s doubles duo competing in the Badminton Asia Championships 2025 are Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.

Q: Who did Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik defeat in the first round?

A: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik defeated Japan’s Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura 21-18, 21-15 in straight sets.

Q: Who is the next opponent for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the second round?

A: Next up for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the second round are the lesser-known Indian pair, Hariharan Amsakarunan-Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi.

Q: Who is the reigning world champion in the men’s singles category?

A: The reigning world champion in the men’s singles category is Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.

Q: Who will Justin Hoh face in the second round?

A: Justin Hoh will face defending champion and second-seeded Indonesian, Jonatan Christie, in the second round.