Malaysia’s young women’s squad faced a baptism of fire at the TSINGTAO Badminton Asia Team Championships (BAMTC) 2026, falling 1–4 to powerhouse China in their Group W opener.
However, despite the scoreline, the night ended on a hopeful note as the national backup shuttlers proved they have the stomach for a fight on the big stage.
The standout moment for the Malaysian camp came from the second doubles pair, Low Zi Yu and Noraqilah Maisarah. Facing the Chinese duo of Luo Yi and Wang Tingge, the Malaysians showed remarkable composure after losing the opening game.
Refusing to be intimidated by the vocal home crowd at the Qingdao Conson Gymnasium, Low and Noraqilah mounted a fierce comeback to secure a 13-21, 21-18, 21-17 victory. Their win provided a vital morale boost, ensuring Malaysia avoided a total whitewash against the tournament favorites.
Earlier in the tie, Malaysia’s singles players found it difficult to break through the Great Wall. National representative Letshanaa Karupathevan fought hard in the opening set against Han Qianxi but ultimately succumbed 18-21, 10-21.
Rising star Wong Ling Ching also struggled to find her rhythm against Xu Wenjing, falling 14-21, 7-21, while Oo Shan Zi was outmaneuvered by Yuan Anqi in the final match of the evening (11-21, 11-21). In the first doubles, the scratch pairing of Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting faced a masterclass from veterans Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian, losing 10-21, 8-21.
However, Malaysia finished 2nd in Group W and confirmed to edge the Quarter-Finalist spot.
Credit Photo : Badminton Asia
