Malaysia enjoyed a mixed opening day at the VICTOR China Open 2026, with three representatives advancing to the Round of 16 while several others saw their campaigns come to an early end at the BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournament in Changzhou.
Three Malaysian entries progress to the Round of 16 as Leong Jun Hao, Azriyn Ayub–Tan Wee Kiong and Man Wei Chong–Soh Wooi Yik make strong starts in Changzhou
Leading the Malaysian charge was Leong Jun Hao, who produced an assured performance to defeat India’s H.S. Prannoy in straight games, 21-10, 21-14.
The national men’s singles shuttler controlled the match from start to finish, displaying sharp attacking play and excellent consistency to comfortably secure his place in the second round.
In men’s doubles, Azriyn Ayub–Tan Wee Kiong came through an all-Malaysian battle after edging Tee Kai Wun–Yap Roy King 25-23, 21-17 in an entertaining contest.
Fellow Malaysians Man Wei Chong–Soh Wooi Yik also advanced with an impressive display, defeating compatriots Arif Junaidi–Kang Khai Xing 21-12, 21-15 to continue their campaign.
However, it proved to be a disappointing day for several Malaysian hopefuls.
Young men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia–Aaron Tai were eliminated by Indonesia’s sixth seeds Sabar Karyaman Gutama–Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, losing 17-21, 19-21 despite putting up a spirited fight.
Mixed doubles pair Wong Tien Ci–Lim Chiew Sien were unable to overcome third seeds Mathias Christiansen–Alexandra Bøje of Denmark, falling 18-21, 13-21.
In women’s doubles, Ong Xin Yee–Carmen Ting pushed Chinese Taipei’s Hu Ling Fang–Jheng Yu Chieh to three games before narrowly losing 23-21, 20-22, 14-21 after a hard-fought encounter.
Women’s singles player Kisona Letshanaa also exited the tournament following a 16-21, 15-21 defeat to American shuttler Beiwen Zhang.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
