The qualification rounds of the Allianz Malaysia Super 100 2025 kicked off with a series of competitive matches at the Arena of Stars, featuring several Malaysian shuttlers aiming to secure their spots in the main draw. Despite spirited performances, many local players faced stiff resistance from international opponents.
In the women’s singles, Malaysia’s S. Shaneesa bowed out early after losing 12–21, 12–21 to China’s Dai Qi Yun, while C. Loh fought valiantly but fell short against Poland’s Z. Jankowska 11–21, 21–14, 14–21. However, Navina N emerged as a bright spot, defeating compatriot Tan S.T. 21–13, 13–21, 21–19 to advance before later losing to China’s X. Zheng 9–21, 11–21 in the next round.
In the men’s singles qualifiers, Tan K.W. went down fighting against India’s R. Ravi, losing 16–21, 18–21. Meanwhile, Lee J.J. delivered a strong performance to upset Thailand’s W. Wongsup-In 21–16, 21–17 and move closer to qualification.
For the men’s doubles, Malaysia’s representatives had mixed fortunes. The pair W. Latif Hakimi / Y. Muhamad Dennes narrowly missed out after a tight three-set battle against India’s N. Kumar / H. Rana (21–17, 18–21, 16–21). Similarly, Lim C.K. / P. Mun were outclassed 9–21, 15–21 by compatriots D. Khoo / Wong Z.K., who then advanced to the next round but later succumbed to China’s Xu H.Y. / Zhang L.J. in straight games (13–21, 5–21).
Elsewhere, M. Abdul Latif / A. Liu impressed with a 12–21, 21–16, 21–19 comeback win over Thai opponents K. Lhothong / T. Wiriyachairek, though they later fell 12–21, 14–21 to N. Kumar / H. Rana in the quarterfinals.
The pair Goh S.T. / Soh P.C., seeded third in the qualifiers, showed experience in overcoming A. Nixon / H. Shim 22–20, 21–18, but were later upset by India’s A. Surya / G. Vittalji 21–13, 12–21, 8–21.
In mixed doubles, R. Hari / Navina N lost narrowly to the American pair A. Liu / Lee X.J. 11–21, 21–19, 13–21, while M. Azman / S. Nurshuhaini were outplayed by Japan’s T. Aizawa / H. Osawa 14–21, 17–21.
Despite the challenging day, the Malaysian shuttlers displayed strong fighting spirit and valuable experience against top regional and international opponents. With several promising performances, the local contingent will look to bounce back stronger in upcoming international tournaments.
Credit Photo : JHBA
