Malaysia endured a challenging opening day at the DAIHATSU Japan Open 2026, with only three of nine Malaysian entries securing victories in the Round of 32 on Tuesday.
Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao produced a confident performance to defeat Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen in straight games, 21-19, 21-16, booking his place in the next round.
In men’s doubles, fifth seeds Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin also made a winning start, overcoming China’s Hu Ke Yuan–Lin Xiang Yi 22-20, 21-18.
Young Malaysian pair Kang Khai Xing–Aaron Tai delivered one of the standout results of the day, fighting back from a game down to upset seventh seeds Chen Bo Yang–Liu Yi of China 11-21, 26-24, 21-15.
However, it was a difficult day elsewhere for the Malaysian contingent.
Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei suffered a straight-games defeat to Chinese Taipei’s Yang Po-Hsuan–Hu Ling Fang, losing 15-21, 19-21, while Wong Tien Ci–Lim Chiew Sien were beaten 13-21, 18-21 by fifth seeds Guo Xin Wa–Chen Fang Hui of China.
In women’s singles, Wong Ling Ching fell to Indian star Pusarla V. Sindhu 14-21, 11-21.
Men’s doubles pair Arif Junaidi–Yap Roy King pushed the United States’ Chen Zhi Yi–Presley Smith to three games before going down 24-26, 21-15, 18-21.
Fifth-seeded women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah also suffered an early exit after losing a three-game battle against Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Yin-Hui–Lin Jhih Yun 21-9, 17-21, 17-21.
Meanwhile, Ong Xin Yee–Carmen Ting were eliminated by third seeds Baek Ha Na–Lee So Hee of South Korea 12-21, 18-21.
With six Malaysian entries eliminated, the spotlight now turns to Leong Jun Hao, Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin and Kang Khai Xing–Aaron Tai as they continue Malaysia’s campaign at the prestigious BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
