History was rewritten as the Malaysia women’s national badminton team powered into the quarter-finals of the Uber Cup 2026, ending a 16-year drought with a commanding 5-0 victory over South Africa women’s national badminton team at Forum Horsens.
Following a hard-fought opening win, Malaysia showed their class and depth with a flawless display—dropping just one game across five matches to tighten their grip on qualification to the knockout stage.
Malaysia’s singles lineup proved unstoppable. Letshanaa Karupathevan opened the tie in emphatic fashion, dismantling Johanita Scholtz 21-6, 21-10 with a display of precision and control.
That momentum continued as Wong Ling Ching overwhelmed Chloe Lai 21-8, 21-4, before Siti Zulaikha cruised past Elme De Villiers 21-11, 21-5.
With a 3-0 lead secured, Malaysia had already wrapped up the tie in dominant fashion.
The doubles pairs maintained the intensity. Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting controlled proceedings to defeat Amy Ackerman and Scholtz 21-16, 21-14.
The final match saw Chong Jie Yu and Low Zi Yu complete the rout, brushing aside Anri Schoonees and De Villiers 21-12, 21-5.
The victory gives Malaysia two wins from two matches in Group B—confirming their place in the quarter-finals and signaling a resurgence on the international stage.
The emphatic result not only secured Malaysia’s progression from Group B but also matched their best-ever achievement in the competition—reaching the last eight for the third time, following previous runs in 2004, 2008, and 2010.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
