Malaysia’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship 2025 were dashed after a narrow 2-3 defeat to Indonesia in their final Group B match in Qingdao, China.
This marked the national squad’s second consecutive setback, following a similar 2-3 loss to Hong Kong in their opening match yesterday.
Needing a victory to secure a top-eight finish, Malaysia found themselves up against a dominant Indonesian side that had demolished Hong Kong 5-0 earlier.
Indonesia struck first as mixed doubles pair Rinov Rivaldy and Siti Fadia Ramadhanti stunned world No. 4 duo Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie 17-21, 21-13, 21-18 in a grueling 64-minute showdown.
Women’s singles shuttler K. Letshanaa then faltered against Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi, losing 12-21, 19-21, putting Malaysia in a perilous 0-2 deficit.
A lifeline emerged through men’s singles ace Leong Jun Hao, ranked 28th in the world, who staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Yohannes Marcellyno 11-21, 22-20, 21-12 in an intense 80-minute battle.
However, any hopes of a turnaround were crushed when the women’s doubles pair of Teoh Mei Xing and Go Pei Kee fell 21-18, 7-21, 17-21 to Meilysa Trias Puspitasari and Rachel Rose, sealing Malaysia’s fate.
Despite already being eliminated, the men’s doubles duo of Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun displayed resilience, edging past Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Daniel Marthin 25-27, 21-17, 23-21 to salvage a consolation point.
Malaysia’s early exit means they miss out on an automatic berth for the prestigious Sudirman Cup, with only the top four teams from BAMTC earning direct qualification to the tournament in Xiamen, China, this May.
However, the national squad will still compete in the Sudirman Cup based on their world ranking.
Credit Photo : BAM
