Malaysia’s campaign at the 2026 Victor China Open has been reduced to a single surviving pair after Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah produced another commanding performance to book their place in the quarter-finals, while the rest of the national contingent bowed out in the Round of 16.
Competing in the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 event, the Malaysian fifth seeds were the nation’s lone bright spot on a difficult day that saw seven other representatives eliminated against world-class opposition.
Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair continued their impressive run by defeating Ukraine’s Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr in straight games.
The fifth seeds overcame a competitive opening game before taking full control in the second to seal a 21-19, 21-12 victory, extending their quest for a first Super 1000 title of the season.
Their composed display ensured Malaysia still has representation heading into the business end of the tournament.
Men’s doubles fifth seeds Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani saw their campaign halted after a hard-fought three-game battle against Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard.
After dropping the opening game 19-21, the Malaysians responded brilliantly to level the match with a 21-12 second-game victory. However, the Danish pair regained control in the decider, winning 21-19 to eliminate one of Malaysia’s strongest title hopes.
Malaysia’s men’s singles challenge also came to an end despite an encouraging start from Leong Jun Hao.
The Malaysian claimed the opening game 22-20 against China’s Weng Hong Yang, but the home player fought back strongly to win the next two games 21-11, 21-18, securing his place in the quarter-finals.
Malaysia’s mixed doubles department endured disappointment as both partnerships exited the tournament.
Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie pushed China’s fifth seeds Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui to the limit in the opening game before eventually losing 23-21, 21-15.
Meanwhile, Chen Tang Jie and Clarissa San looked on course for victory after taking the first game 21-11 against China’s second seeds Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin. However, the Chinese pair staged an impressive comeback, winning 21-14, 21-19 in the following games.
Malaysia also suffered defeats in three additional men’s doubles matches.
Man Wei Chong and Soh Wooi Yik were beaten 21-16, 21-17 by Japan’s Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi.
Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong were unable to overcome South Korea’s world No. 1 pair Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, falling 21-13, 21-19.
Malaysia’s independent pairing of Choi Sol Gyu and Goh V Shem also bowed out after a 22-20, 21-11 defeat to China’s fourth seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.
Credit Photo : SBA
