Ningbo: Malaysia’s top badminton pairs delivered a strong statement at the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) in Ningbo, China, with three key combinations advancing into the quarterfinals across mixed, men’s, and women’s doubles events.
Leading the charge are mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, men’s doubles stars Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, and women’s doubles duo Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, all of whom showcased composure, experience, and resilience to keep Malaysia firmly in contention.
Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei Continue Dominance
Malaysia’s world No. 4 mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei produced one of their most convincing performances of the tournament, brushing aside India’s Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto in straight games, 21-13, 21-14.
The match, played at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, lasted just 37 minutes, with the Malaysian duo controlling the tempo from start to finish. Their sharp net play and quick transitions proved too much for the Indian pair to handle.
This victory further extends their strong head-to-head record against Kapila and Crasto, having previously defeated them at the 2025 World Championships and the Indonesia Open.
In the quarterfinals, Tang Jie and Ee Wei are expected to face a tricky challenge from South Korea’s Kim Jae Hyeon and Jang Ha Jeong, who stunned Indonesia’s seeded pair Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Pasaribu in a three-game upset.
Despite the Korean pair’s lower ranking, their giant-killing performance signals a potential threat that Malaysia cannot afford to underestimate.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik Edge Closer to Title Defense
In men’s doubles, defending champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik continued their steady march toward another title, overcoming China’s Hu Ke Yuan and Lin Xiang Yi in a tightly contested encounter.
The Malaysian pair were pushed hard in the opening game, eventually edging it 22-20 through experience and composure under pressure. Once they gained momentum, Aaron and Wooi Yik raised their level in the second game, pulling ahead early before sealing a 21-19 victory.
This marks their first-ever meeting against the Chinese pair, making the win even more significant as they adapt to new and emerging opponents in the draw.
However, the path ahead remains challenging. Awaiting them in the quarterfinals could be either Japan’s experienced duo Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi or South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk and Ki Dong Ju — both formidable opponents with strong international credentials.
With China fielding multiple strong pairs across the draw, Aaron and Wooi Yik’s title defense will likely hinge on their ability to navigate high-pressure matches against Asian rivals.
Pearly Tan-Thinaah Show Grit in Dramatic Win
Malaysia’s women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan delivered one of the most thrilling performances of the day, battling past Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Yin Hui and Lin Jhih Yun in a tense three-game encounter.
The Malaysian duo took the first game 21-19 in a closely fought contest, but their opponents responded strongly in the second to level the match.
Under intense pressure in the deciding game, Pearly and Thinaah demonstrated remarkable composure and mental strength. In a nail-biting finish, they held their nerve to clinch the match 24-22, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
The victory extends their unbeaten record against the Taiwanese pair to 3-0, reinforcing their growing confidence on the international stage.
Next up, they face China’s Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min, a dangerous pairing that has been gaining momentum in recent tournaments. This Malaysia vs China clash will be one of the key matches to watch in the quarterfinal stage.
Mixed Results for Other Malaysian Pairs
While Malaysia celebrated multiple successes, not all pairs were able to progress.
Experienced mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie fell short against Chinese Taipei’s Chen Cheng Kuan and Hsu Yin Hui in a three-game battle, while Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien were defeated by China’s Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui in straight games.
In women’s doubles, Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting were also eliminated after losing to Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi, continuing a difficult run against the Japanese pair.
China Remains the Biggest Obstacle
Despite Malaysia’s strong presence in the quarterfinals, China’s depth across all categories remains a major factor in the tournament.
Chinese pairs continue to advance steadily, particularly in doubles events, where their combination of speed, power, and tactical discipline makes them formidable opponents.
Matches such as Pearly-Thinaah versus Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min and the potential challenges awaiting Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik highlight the ongoing rivalry between Malaysia and China in elite badminton.
Quarterfinal Stage Set for High Drama
With three Malaysian pairs still in contention, hopes remain high for a deep run at the Badminton Asia Championships.
However, the quarterfinal stage will demand even higher levels of consistency, mental strength, and tactical execution.
For Malaysia, this is a critical opportunity not only to challenge for titles but also to measure themselves against Asia’s best — particularly China, who continue to set the benchmark in international badminton.
As the intensity builds in Ningbo, badminton fans can expect high-quality matches filled with speed, precision, and drama — the very essence of world-class badminton.
