Ningbo – Malaysia’s rising star Justin Hoh is set for a career-defining challenge when he meets World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the second round of the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships (BAC).
The 21-year-old Malaysian earned his spot after a dramatic 79-minute first-round battle against Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin, fighting back from a set down to win 14-21, 22-20, 21-16 at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center on Wednesday.
Watch highlights of Justin Hoh vs. Jeon Hyeok Jin in the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships first round:
Malaysia’s national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen praised Justin’s mental fortitude and composure under pressure:
“Justin showed great fighting spirit and adjusted well in the second set. He stayed positive even when things were tough. The third set became a true test of both mental and physical endurance.”
Now, all eyes will be on Justin as he faces defending BAC champion Jonatan Christie.
Jonassen sees this as a crucial learning moment:
“Facing Jonatan is a true test. This is the kind of high-pressure match every aspiring champion must face. It’s a valuable opportunity for Justin to grow and elevate his level.”
Ng Tze Yong Returns but Falls to World Champ Kunlavut
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Ng Tze Yong made his long-awaited return to international competition after more than a year out due to back surgery. Unfortunately, he couldn’t match the intensity of Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, falling 9-21, 12-21 in the opening round.
Despite the loss, Ng Tze Yong’s return is seen as a positive step in his recovery. The outing is also key to extending his BWF protected ranking at No. 18 for another six months. He is scheduled to continue his comeback at the Taipei Open (May 6–11) and Thailand Open (May 13–18), with the Malaysia Masters (May 20–25) also likely.
Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah Suffer Another Loss to Korean Pair
Malaysia’s No. 1 women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah once again fell short against Korea’s Kim Hye Jeong and Kong Hee Yong, losing 19-21, 26-28 in a nail-biting first-round clash that lasted 58 minutes.
This marks their third consecutive loss to the Korean duo in 2025, following defeats at the Indonesia Masters final and India Open semi-finals earlier this season.
Despite leading 11-5 in the first set and holding six game points in the second, Tan-Thinaah were unable to capitalize, crashing out in straight sets in what could have been a turning point match.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik Cruise Into Second Round
There was better news in men’s doubles, as Malaysia’s top duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik defeated Japan’s Kenya Mitsuhashi and Hiroki Okumura 21-18, 21-15 in just 40 minutes.
Maintaining a perfect head-to-head record against the Japanese pair (4-0), Chia/Soh now advance to face India’s Hariharan Amsakurunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi for a place in the quarterfinals.
The Malaysian pair, who were runners-up at the 2022 BAC in Manila, will be eager to go a step further this year.
Stay tuned for full coverage of the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships.
