After a bruising opening day at the Utilita Arena, Wednesday brought massive redemption for the Malaysian contingent at the YONEX All England 2026. Day 2 of the Round of 32 was an absolute blockbuster, headlined by a jaw-dropping giant-killing performance by our young Men’s Doubles pair and a flawless sweep by our top-seeded stars!
The undisputed story of the day belongs to the young and fearless duo, Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai. Facing the formidable 4th seeds from India, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the Malaysians were massive underdogs.
However, they didn’t just show up to participate; they came to conquer. After surviving a nail-biting first set 23-21, Kang and Tai completely dismantled the Indian heavyweights in the second, storming to a 21-12 finish. It was a masterclass in aggressive badminton and arguably the upset of the tournament so far!
Normal service was resumed for Malaysia’s top-ranked pairs, who all flexed their muscles to secure their spots in the Last 16:
Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah [2] looked incredibly sharp, sweeping past Japan’s Igarashi and Shida 21-19, 21-13 in the Women’s Doubles.
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik [2] shook off their German Open disappointment, clinically dealing with the American duo of Chen and Smith 21-17, 21-17.
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun [6] were in total control against Chinese Taipei’s Lee brothers, advancing with a solid 21-17, 21-16 win.
Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin [8] made light work of Japan’s Kumagai and Nishi, putting on a dominant display to win 21-10, 21-15.
In the Mixed Doubles, Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai silenced the home crowd by dispatching England’s Hemming and Van Leeuwen in straight sets (21-14, 21-12). Meanwhile, Arif Junaidi and Yap Roy King had to dig deep into their reserves, surviving a grueling three-set marathon against Denmark’s Lundgaard and Vestergaard to win 21-19, 18-21, 21-18.
Unfortunately, the journey ended for a few brave pairs. Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien took a brilliant first set off China’s 6th seeds Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui but ultimately faded in the decider. Azriyn Ayub / Tan Wee Kiong and Ong Xin Yee / Carmen Ting also bowed out after tough straight-set losses to top-tier opponents from Chinese Taipei and Japan
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
