Malaysia’s men’s team lost 2-3 to Indonesia but still qualified for the Badminton Asia Team Championships quarterfinals as Group D runners-up.
MALAYSIA’S men’s badminton team secured a quarterfinal berth at the 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships despite a narrow 2-3 defeat to arch-rivals Indonesia in their final Group D match.
The result saw Indonesia top the group, with Malaysia finishing second to progress to the knockout stage.
Justin Hoh gave Malaysia a strong start by defeating Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah 21-16, 21-19 in 46 minutes. The national squad then doubled their lead through the men’s doubles pair of Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King.
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They overcame Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana 21-13, 12-21, 21-13 in a hard-fought three-set battle.
The momentum shifted when Eogene Ewe lost to Indonesia’s Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo 12-21, 21-14, 15-21. Malaysia then missed a chance to seal the tie in the second doubles match.
Choong Hon Jian and Muhammad Haikal Nazri were edged out 21-16, 11-21, 19-21 by Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin.
With the scores level at 2-2, Malaysia’s final hopes rested on Kong Wei Xing. He pushed the match to a deciding set but was ultimately outdone by the experienced Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-17, 13-21, 21-16.
This result followed Malaysia’s dominant 5-0 opening win against Myanmar. The national squad now prepares for the knockout stages. – Bernama
