Malaysia’s Letshanaa upsets Japan’s world number nine Tomoka Miyazaki in straight games to reach her first Malaysia Masters quarterfinal

KUALA LUMPUR: National number one women’s singles shuttler K. Letshanaa pulled off a major upset after defeating Japan’s world number nine Tomoka Miyazaki to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2026 Malaysia Masters at the Unifi Arena here today.

Backed by the home crowd, Letshanaa delivered one of her best performances to outclass Miyazaki 21-15, 21-17 in 45 minutes, sealing her first-ever win over a world top-10 player and her best achievement at the tournament.

Today’s result meant Letshanaa becomes the first Malaysia womens single shuttler to feature in the last eight after profesional Goh Jin Wei last played in 2019.

The 23-year-old is now the sole Malaysian women singles player left in the competition following Goh Jin Wei’s exit after losing to India’s Ashmita Chaliha 21-13, 21-16.

Letshanaa said her consistency and confidence were the main factors behind her impressive victory over Miyazaki.

“I think she was under pressure today, but the consistency that I had and the confidence that I had made her feel even more pressured.

“That made it difficult for her, but I feel that she played her game as well,” she told reporters after the match.

Letshanaa, who will next face Japan’s Hina Akechi tomorrow for a place in the semi-finals, said she is determined to stay grounded and focus on giving her best.

“As I always say, I’m going to give my best and put up a good fight. I’m not putting pressure on myself that I must win, but as long as I give my best on court, then we will see the outcome,” she said.