BASEL – Malaysia’s rising men’s doubles pair Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai delivered an impressive performance to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Swiss Open badminton tournament.
In the latest badminton news from Basel, the world No.27 Malaysian duo defeated Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana, currently ranked world No.18, in a thrilling three-game battle.
Kang/Tai Battle Past Indonesian Pair
Kang and Tai started strongly and dominated the opening game with aggressive attacking play and quick net exchanges, comfortably taking the first set 21-12.
The second game proved far tighter as Carnando and Maulana fought back to force long rallies and eventually edged the set 23-21 to level the match.
However, the Malaysian pair regained control in the deciding game. Maintaining better consistency and court coverage, Kang and Tai closed out the match 21-16 to secure their spot in the last eight.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash against Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard, who also advanced after winning their previous round match.
Azriyn/Tan Eliminated
Another Malaysian men’s doubles pair, Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong, were unable to progress further after losing to Thailand’s Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul.
The Thai pair won the match 18-21, 21-19, 21-15 to move into the next round, where they will face France’s Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi.
Justin Hoh Falls in Men’s Singles
Malaysia’s Justin Hoh also exited the tournament after losing to India’s Tharun Mannepalli 21-14, 22-20.
Mannepalli will next face Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, who recorded a convincing 21-15, 21-16 victory over China’s Wang Zheng Xing.
Meanwhile, top seed Li Shi Feng continued his strong run in the tournament by defeating Japan’s Yudai Okimoto 21-17, 21-15. The Chinese star will meet Chinese Taipei’s Wang Po-Wei in the next round.
Women’s Singles Quarter-Finals Taking Shape
The women’s singles draw at the Swiss Open badminton tournament also produced several notable results. Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani advanced after defeating Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching and will now face Thailand’s Pitchamon Opatniputh in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere, Japan’s experienced campaigner Nozomi Okuhara progressed alongside compatriot Riko Gunji, setting up an all-Japanese clash in the next round.
Another intriguing quarter-final matchup will feature Chinese Taipei’s Lin Hsiang Ti against Japan’s rising star Tomoka Miyazaki. Denmark’s Line Christophersen will also meet Thailand’s Supanida Katethong as the race for the women’s singles title intensifies.
Mixed Doubles Quarter-Finals Confirmed
The mixed doubles competition saw several tight battles as the quarter-final lineup was finalized. Thailand’s Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai advanced after overcoming a strong challenge and will next meet China’s Zhu Yi Jun and Liu Xuan.
China’s Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui also progressed and will face Denmark’s Mads Vestergaard and Christine Busch. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Adnan Maulana and Indah Cahya Sari Jamil will play Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito.
Another quarter-final will feature China’s Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi against Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu.
Women’s Doubles Draw Produces Key Matchups
In women’s doubles badminton action, China’s Hu Ling Fang and Jiang Yu Qiao advanced into the quarter-finals after a strong performance against Chinese Taipei opponents.
Thailand’s experienced pair Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai also progressed and will face China’s Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in one of the standout matches of the round.
Another quarter-final will see China’s Li Yi Jing and Luo Xu Min take on Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chih Chun and Yang Ching Tun. Meanwhile, France’s Margot Lambert and Anne Tran will battle China’s Zhang Shu Xian and Jia Yi Fan.
With several high-profile clashes still ahead, the Swiss Open badminton tournament in Basel continues to deliver exciting matches as players compete for valuable BWF World Tour points.
