Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s national badminton team is set to field its strongest men’s and women’s doubles lineups at the 2025 Hong Kong Open, signaling an unrelenting push following recent performances at the World Championships in Paris.
Leading the charge in men’s doubles will be World No. 2 duo Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, backed by head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, who confirmed that preparations are going smoothly. Despite a hectic post-tournament media schedule, the squad remains focused and energized.
“All preparations are on track. Wooi Yik didn’t train today because he was tired after a recent video shoot,” said Herry during a training session at the Malaysian Badminton Academy (ABM).
Addressing the tight competition schedule, Herry added, “It’s not just us—top players from other countries are in the same situation. We’re ready to compete.”
Malaysia will field four men’s doubles pairs:
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Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik (World No. 2)
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Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun (World No. 6)
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Junaidi Arif/Roy King Yap (World No. 20)
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Choong Hon Jian/Muhammad Haikal Nazri (World No. 45)
While no specific medal target was announced, Herry emphasized his hopes for all four pairs to deliver competitive and high-intensity performances.
Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah Aim to Defend Hong Kong Crown
Meanwhile, in the women’s doubles category, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, fresh off their World Championship silver medal, are confirmed to compete, dismissing speculation that they might withdraw due to post-tournament appearances.
“They’re back in training and will give their best in Hong Kong,” confirmed women’s doubles head coach Rosman Razak.
The Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah duo stunned fans last year by defeating China’s World No. 1 pair Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning to win the 2024 Hong Kong Open title. Despite losing to the same Chinese pair in five subsequent finals—including the recent World Championship—they now have a golden chance for revenge.
Their draw this year is anything but easy:
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First Round: vs. World No. 17 Chang Ching Hui/Yang Ching Tun (Taiwan)
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Second Round (Possible): vs. Chen Qing Chen/Keng Shu Liang (China)
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Quarterfinal (Possible): vs. World No. 16 Yeung Nga Ting/Yeung Pui Lam (Hong Kong)
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Semifinal (Potential Showdown): vs. World No. 4 Jia Yi Fan/Zhang Shu Xian (China), who lead their head-to-head 4–1
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Final: Potential rematch with Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning for the ultimate revenge
Regardless of the outcome, Pearly and Thinaah are expected to retain their World No. 2 ranking. Known for their endurance, they previously completed four consecutive tournaments with impressive form. Their biggest challenge this time may be mental fatigue, not physical.
With World Mixed Doubles Champions Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei withdrawing from the tournament, all eyes will now be on Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, Malaysia’s brightest hope at the 2025 Hong Kong Open.
