Malaysia experienced another roller-coaster day at the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 (HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500) as several shuttlers marched into the Round of 16, headlined by a confident win from Lee Zii Jia, while a number of national hopes bowed out after intense Round of 32 clashes on Wednesday.
National men’s singles ace Lee Zii Jia delivered a composed and convincing performance, brushing aside India’s H.S. Prannoy in straight games, 21-19, 21-11. The Paris Olympic bronze medallist showed sharp movement and attacking clarity, rarely allowing Prannoy to settle, as he sealed his place in the next round with authority.
There was joy for Hoo Pang Ron / Cheng Su Yin, who bounced back strongly after dropping the opening game to Thailand’s P. Horbanluekit / Benyapa Aimsaard. The Malaysians dominated the second game 21-6 before holding their nerve to close out the decider 21-17.
Similarly, Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei [3] showcased their fighting spirit, overcoming China’s Zhu Yi Jun / Li Qian 2-1. After narrowly losing the second game 20-22, the Malaysian pair regrouped superbly to take the decider 21-10.
However, it was disappointment for Goh Soon Huat / Shevon Lai [7], who were edged out in a dramatic three-game encounter by Indonesia’s Adnan Maulana / Indah Cahya S. Jamil, losing 21-18, 18-21, 20-22 after holding match point.
Earlier, Jimmy Wong / Lai Pei Jing were unable to find answers against Indonesia’s Dejan Ferdinansyah / Bernadine Wardana, falling 0-2 (10-21, 17-21).
In women’s singles, Letchanaa Karupathevan produced one of the standout Malaysian performances of the day. After losing the first game heavily, she mounted an impressive comeback to defeat Taiwan’s Hsu Wen Chi 9-21, 21-12, 22-20, displaying composure and resilience in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Wong Ling Ching fought hard but eventually went down 1-2 to Thailand’s Pitchamon Opatniputh (22-20, 13-21, 12-21).
It was an early exit for Justin Hoh, who struggled to impose himself against China’s Wang Zheng Xing, losing in straight games 15-21, 11-21.
With Lee Zii Jia, Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei, Hoo Pang Ron / Cheng Su Yin and Letchanaa Karupathevan advancing, Malaysia remains firmly in contention as the Indonesia Masters moves into the business end. Focus now shifts to consistency and recovery as tougher challenges await in the Round of 16.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
