Malaysia’s shuttlers experienced a dramatic day of ups and downs in the Round of 16 at the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open 2025, as several pairs surged into the quarterfinals while others endured heartbreaking exits.
In men’s doubles, young pair Arif Junaidi – Yap Roy King continued their impressive run by defeating compatriots Choong Hon Jian – Haikal Nazri in straight games, 21-17, 21-19. Their victory solidified their position as Malaysia’s rising force in the discipline.
Meanwhile, Aidil Sholeh’s campaign came to an end after a gallant fight against sixth seed Christo Popov of France. Despite pushing hard, the Malaysian went down 17-21, 19-21.
Women’s doubles second seeds Pearly Tan – M. Thinaah maintained their fine form, brushing aside Indonesia’s Febriana Kusuma – Meilysa Puspitasari 21-18, 21-17 to secure a place in the last eight. Another highlight in the women’s doubles came from Go Pei Kee – Teoh Mei Xing, who overpowered Taiwan’s Hsu Ya Ching – Sung Yu-Hsuan 21-19, 21-18, sealing a big win.
The mixed doubles delivered an all-Malaysian thriller, as Hoo Pang Ron – Cheng Su Yin edged out seventh seeds Goh Soon Huat – Shevon Lai in three games, 21-10, 14-21, 21-16. The result marked a major statement for the young duo.
However, disappointment struck in men’s doubles again, with fifth seeds Man Wei Chong – Tee Kai Wun falling narrowly to Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-Huei – Yang Po-Hsuan 17-21, 21-11, 15-21. Similarly, second seeds Goh Sze Fei – Nur Izzuddin were ousted in a nail-biter against Taiwan’s Lee Fang-Chih – Lee Fang-Jen, 21-14, 16-21, 13-21.
The men’s singles clash between compatriots turned into a showcase of determination. Leong Jun Hao overcame teenager Justin Hoh in three intense games, 21-11, 15-21, 21-18, booking his quarterfinal berth.
With Tan–Thinaah, Go–Teoh, and Leong Jun Hao leading the charge, alongside the young doubles pairing of Arif–Yap, Malaysia will head into the quarterfinals with renewed optimism despite the exit of several top-seeded pairs.
Credit Photo : BAT
