IF there was ever a time for Malaysian badminton to demonstrate more than just occasional brilliance, it was during the recent back-to-back tournaments—the Japan Open and the China Open. The stakes were high, and this time, Malaysia’s doubles teams didn’t just participate; they made a significant impact.
Starting with the men’s doubles, four Malaysian pairs reached the quarter-finals of the Japan Open, a feat not achieved in years. This wasn’t a coincidence. World number 3 pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, along with Tan Wee Kiong and Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub, all played with a renewed sense of purpose.
However, it was world number 2 pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik who finally started performing like the Olympic medallists they are in recent tournaments. At the China Open, they not only defeated India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty but did so convincingly in straight games. Their journey to the final may not have resulted in a title, but their composure and control showcased a top pair finding their rhythm at the perfect moment.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t mere luck. It was a combination of skill and confidence. If they can maintain this level of play, they could be serious contenders at the World Championships.
Now, let’s talk about the world number 3 women’s doubles pair of Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah. They’ve been the most exciting doubles pair for Malaysia, though often hindered by injuries or confidence issues. However, things seemed to change after they signed a new four-year contract with BAM.
Some attribute this change to financial incentives, while others point to the security it brings. I believe it’s about having clarity.
At the Japan Open, they triumphed over Japan’s popular pair Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, reached the finals, and held their own against the formidable Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning of China. They then made it to the semi-finals of the China Open, reminding everyone that they are more than just attractive faces for sponsorships.
This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a reclaiming of their form, confidence, and status among the world’s top ten. With BAM’s support, they have delivered on the court at just the right time.
So, what’s next?
For starters, Malaysia is no longer heading to the World Championships as underdogs. We now have genuine threats in both men’s and women’s doubles. Chia and Soh have awakened from their previous lull, and Pearly and Thinaah are playing their best badminton since finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics.
Of course, we should temper our expectations. A medal isn’t guaranteed. But for the first time, it feels justified to say we’re in the mix—not just hoping for upsets.
The tournaments in Tokyo and Changzhou were about more than just victories or podium finishes. They were about building momentum and confidence, the kind of rhythm needed before facing the world’s biggest competition.
In that regard, Malaysia’s doubles teams have finally delivered a performance that lives up to the anticipation.
It’s time to step up our game. The rest of the world has received a warning—and it comes with the Jalur Gemilang proudly displayed. — July 28, 2025
T. Vignesh is the Executive Editor of Scoop