Paris, France — Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun got off to a flying start at the 2025 French Open, cruising into the Round of 16 after a confident straight-game win over South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk/Ki Dong Ju on Tuesday.
Watch highlights of Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun vs. Kang Min Hyuk/Ki Dong Ju in the 2025 French Open first round:
The world No. 5 Malaysians — who recently achieved a career-high ranking — skipped both the Arctic Open and Denmark Open to focus on preparation for the European leg. Their return to action in Paris proved fruitful as they dominated the match from start to finish, winning 21–9, 21–13 in just 27 minutes.
The victory marked their first-ever meeting with the Korean pair and showcased the Malaysians’ strong attacking rhythm and sharp front-court control.
In the second round, Man/Tee will face England’s Ben Lane/Sean Vendy, who earlier defeated Malaysian independents Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub/Tan Wee Kiong 21–14, 21–13.
Tough Day for Azriyn/Tan
Fresh from their remarkable run at the Denmark Open — where they stunned world No. 1 Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae — Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub/Tan Wee Kiong could not replicate that success in Paris. Facing the newly crowned Arctic Open champions Ben Lane/Sean Vendy, they were outplayed in 32 minutes, losing 14–21, 13–21.
Upcoming Challenge for Leong Jun Hao
Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao, the sole representative in men’s singles, faces an uphill battle as he meets Denmark’s Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in the opening round on Wednesday. It will be their second career encounter, following Axelsen’s straight-game win at the 2024 Singapore Open quarter-finals.
Axelsen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, reached the semi-finals at last week’s Denmark Open, while Leong exited early after losing to China’s Li Shi Feng.
Meanwhile, China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, who finished runner-up in Odense, has withdrawn from the French Open. His top seed position has been filled by Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the No. 3 seed.
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun’s commanding start reinforces their growing reputation as one of the most consistent pairs on the badminton circuit — and a serious contender for the 2025 French Open title.
