Malaysia endured a mixed opening day at the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026 as several shuttlers advanced to the next round, while others bowed out after tough battles in the Round of 32 at the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 event.
The spotlight fell on national mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Lai, who delivered a composed performance to dismiss Taiwan’s Wu Guan Xun–Lee Chia Hsin 21-17, 21-17. The eighth seeds looked assured throughout the encounter, controlling the pace and capitalising on key points to book their place in the last 16.
Another bright note came from Jimmy Wong–Lai Pei Jing, who produced a solid display to overcome Japan’s Yuta Watanabe–Maya Taguchi in straight games, 21-10, 23-21. The Malaysians showed maturity under pressure, especially in the second game, to seal a morale-boosting victory.
However, it was heartbreak for Hoo Pang Ron–Cheng Su Yin, who fought valiantly but fell 1-2 to Thailand’s third seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh–Sapsiree Taerattanachai, going down 21-17, 16-21, 20-22 in a gripping three-game duel.
In men’s singles, national ace Lee Zii Jia saw his campaign come to an early end after a closely contested 1-2 defeat to Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke. Lee showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately succumbed 13-21, 21-18, 18-21 in a match that swung on fine margins.
The men’s doubles category also proved challenging for Malaysia. Ong Yew Sin–Teo Ee Yi were unable to find answers against India’s H. Amsakarunan–M.R. Arjun, losing 15-21, 18-21, while Choong Hon Jian–Haikal Nazri went down 11-21, 19-21 to France’s Christo Popov–Toma Junior Popov.
Still, there was success in an all-Malaysian clash as fifth seeds Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun asserted their dominance to defeat Azriyn Ayub–Tan Wee Kiong 21-16, 21-15, keeping their title hopes alive.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
