Malaysia women’s national badminton team kicked off their Uber Cup 2026 campaign in dramatic fashion, edging Turkey women’s national badminton team 3-2 in a gripping Group B tie at Forum Horsens.
In a contest that went down to the wire, Malaysia showed resilience and composure to secure a crucial opening victory—laying a strong foundation for their group stage ambitions.
Malaysia drew first blood through Letshanaa Karupathevan, who battled past Neslihan Arin in three games, 21-16, 13-21, 21-13.
Her composed performance gave Malaysia early momentum in the tie.
Turkey responded in the second match as Ozge Bayrak edged Wong Ling Ching in a hard-fought three-game encounter, 21-17, 15-21, 21-18, leveling the tie at 1-1.
Malaysia regained the lead thanks to experienced campaigner Goh Jin Wei, who delivered a clinical straight-games victory over Zehra Erdem, winning 21-14, 21-13.
Her dominant display put Malaysia within touching distance of overall victory.
The fourth match saw a tense doubles battle, with Ong Xin Yee and Thinaah Muralitharan narrowly falling to Bengisu Ercetin and Nazlican Inci 22-20, 19-21, 19-21—sending the tie into a decisive fifth match.
With everything on the line, Malaysia’s young duo Low Zi Yu and Nor Aqilah Maisarah held their nerve to defeat Yasemen Bektas and Zehra Erdem in straight games, 21-18, 21-19.
Their clutch performance sealed a vital 3-2 triumph for Malaysia.
The victory gives Malaysia a crucial early advantage in Group B, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
