Qingdao: Malaysia’s journey at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships (BAMTC) 2025 came to an early end after a narrow 2-3 defeat to Indonesia in their final Group B match today.
This marks Malaysia’s second consecutive loss, following their 2-3 defeat to Hong Kong in the opening match yesterday.
Highlights of Leong Jun Hao vs. Yohannes Marcellyno at 2025 BAMTC:
Must-Win Match Ends in Heartbreak
Competing at the Qingdao Sports Center, Malaysia needed a victory over Indonesia to advance to the quarterfinals. However, Indonesia, who dominated Hong Kong 5-0 in their first match, started aggressively:
Mixed Doubles: Indonesia’s Rinov Rivaldy-Siti Fadia Ramadhanti stunned World No. 4 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai, coming from behind to win 17-21, 21-13, 21-18 in a grueling 64-minute battle.
Women’s Singles: Malaysia’s K. Letshanaa fell to Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi 12-21, 19-21, giving Indonesia a 2-0 lead.
Men’s Singles: Leong Jun Hao (World No. 28) staged a thrilling comeback against Yohannes Marcellyno, saving four match points at 17-20 in the second game before securing a 11-21, 22-20, 21-12 victory in an 80-minute marathon.
Quarterfinal Hopes Dashed
With Malaysia trailing 1-2, the women’s doubles match proved decisive. Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee fought hard but ultimately lost 21-18, 7-21, 17-21 to Meilysa Trias Puspitasari-Rachel Rose, sealing Malaysia’s exit from the tournament.
Despite the overall loss, men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun showed resilience, defeating Muhammad Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin 25-27, 21-17, 23-21, ensuring Malaysia ended on a fighting note.
“The biggest takeaway from this tournament is that our trust in each other has improved,” said Kai Wun in a post-match interview.
“This experience has given us more confidence and a stronger mindset not to give up easily.”
Impact on Sudirman Cup Qualification
Malaysia’s failure to reach the quarterfinals also means they miss out on an automatic spot for the Sudirman Cup, as only the top four teams from BAMTC earn direct qualification.
However, Malaysia will still compete in the Sudirman Cup through their world ranking, ensuring their presence at the prestigious event in Xiamen, China, this May.
Final Thoughts
Despite the disappointment, Leong Jun Hao’s resilience, especially his incredible comeback against Yohannes Marcellyno, was a major highlight of Malaysia’s campaign.
With lessons learned from BAMTC 2025, Malaysia now shifts its focus to upcoming international competitions, determined to bounce back stronger on the world stage.
