Malaysia endured a dramatic and emotional Round of 16 at the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 (HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500) on Thursday, with strong victories across multiple disciplines keeping the national challenge alive — despite the shock exit of men’s singles star Lee Zii Jia.
National ace Lee Zii Jia saw his campaign come to a halt after a three-game defeat to Thailand’s Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul, going down 21-15, 17-21, 8-21. After taking the opening game confidently, Zii Jia struggled to contain Panitchaphon’s pace and control as the match slipped away in the decider.
Top seeds Pearly Tan / M. Thinaah delivered a statement performance in women’s doubles, brushing aside Taiwan’s Lin Xiao Min / Wang Yu Qiao in straight games, 21-13, 21-12. The Malaysian pair were sharp at the net and ruthless in attack as they booked their place in the quarter-finals with ease.
Malaysia’s men’s doubles contingent enjoyed a productive day:
- Goh Sze Fei / Nur Izzuddin [4] showed resilience after dropping the first game to defeat Taiwan’s Liu Kuang Heng / Yang Po Han 17-21, 21-14, 21-16.
- Man Wei Chong / Tee Kai Wun [3] fought past India’s H. Amsakarunan / M. R. Arjun in three games, 21-17, 9-21, 21-16.
- Choi Sol Gyu / Goh V Shem were rock-solid, edging China’s Hu Ke Yuan / Lin Xiang Yi in two tight games, 25-23, 23-21.
However, Azriyn Ayub / Tan Wee Kiong bowed out after a hard-fought 1-2 loss to Indonesia’s fifth seeds Sabar K. Gutama / M. Reza P. Isfahani.
Third seeds Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei continued their impressive form, defeating Thailand’s P. Teeraratsakul / S. Taerattanachai comfortably, 21-12, 21-19.
In contrast, Hoo Pang Ron / Cheng Su Yin were unable to overcome China’s fifth seeds Guo Xin Wa / Chen Fang Hui, falling 13-21, 19-21.
Letchanaa Karupathevan maintained her momentum with a composed straight-games victory over Canada’s Michelle Li, winning 21-14, 21-14 to advance confidently.
Earlier, Cheng Su Hui / Tan Zhing Yi progressed via walkover in women’s doubles against Taiwan’s Hsu Ya Ching / Sung Yu-Hsuan.
Despite Lee Zii Jia’s exit, Malaysia remains well-represented heading into the quarter-finals, particularly in the doubles events, with multiple pairs showing form and belief on the Jakarta courts.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
