Hong Kong – Malaysia’s badminton contingent delivered a thrilling display on Day 1 of the 2025 Hong Kong Open, headlined by Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin’s gritty three-game victory in the opening round.
Watch Highlights of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin vs. Xie Haonan and Zeng Wei Han in the first round of 2025 Hong Kong Open:
Ranked world No. 3, the pair was forced to battle hard before overcoming China’s Xie Haonan and Zeng Wei Han 21-12, 11-21, 21-19 in 51 minutes. After a disappointing early exit at the World Championships in Paris, the Malaysian duo showed renewed determination to stay alive in this Super 500 event.
They now face Taiwan’s Lee Fang Chih and Lee Fang Jen in the second round.
Pearly and Thinaah Begin Title Defense in Style
In the women’s doubles, reigning champions and World Championship silver medalists Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah cruised to victory against Hong Kong’s Chu Wing Chi and Yu Yi Kiu. The world No. 2 pair wrapped up the match 21-9, 21-9 in just 25 minutes, asserting their dominance on court.
More Malaysian Success in Men’s Doubles
World No. 6 duo Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun also progressed with a composed 21-19, 21-12 win over fellow Malaysians Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong in an all-Malaysian showdown. They will next face Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan.
Another major upset came from world No. 20 Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King, who stunned Denmark’s world No. 4 Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in straight games, 21-19, 23-21. The young Malaysians have been in impressive form, having claimed their maiden title at the Macau Open last month.
They await the winner of the match between Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri and Korean veterans Kim Gi Jung-Kim Sa Rang for a shot at the quarterfinals. Choong/Haikal to meet Kim/Kim on Wednesday.
Go Pei Kee and Teoh Mei Xing Advance to Round 2
Women’s doubles pair Go Pei Kee and Teoh Mei Xing battled through a tight three-setter against Hong Kong’s Fan Ka Yan and Yau Mau Ying, winning 21-15, 17-21, 21-12 to reach the second round.
Shock Exit for Top Seeds Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik
The biggest surprise of the day came when Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the top seeds and world No. 2, were knocked out in the first round. The Olympic bronze medalists fell 13-21, 13-21 to England’s Sean Vendy and Ben Lane in just 28 minutes, continuing their inconsistent streak in 2025.
Malaysia Shows Depth Despite Upsets
While Chia-Soh’s exit was disappointing, Malaysia’s overall performance on Day 1 of the Hong Kong Open highlights the country’s growing strength and depth across all categories. With several pairs advancing and young talent making their mark, fans can expect more exciting badminton news from Hong Kong in the coming days.
