MALAYSIAN shuttlers delivered strong performances at the 2025 Japan Open Badminton Championships, with key victories in men’s and women’s doubles.
National top pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani fought hard for a 21-13, 17-21, 22-20 win over Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in a thrilling quarter-final clash.
This marks their first victory against the Indonesian duo, setting up a semi-final showdown with Taiwan’s Liu Kuang Heng-Yang Po Han.
The Malaysians previously defeated the Taiwanese pair in last year’s edition.
Another Malaysian men’s pair, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, caused an upset by ousting China’s fifth seeds Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang 25-23, 21-19.
They will next face South Korea’s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seong Jae, who earlier eliminated compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
In women’s doubles, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah continued their dominance over South Korea’s Jeong Na Eun-Lee Yeon Woo with a 21-15, 21-19 win.
However, they now face a tough semi-final against Japan’s Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida, who have won 13 of their 14 past meetings.
Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei also progressed, defeating Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami-Sayaka Hobara 21-14, 21-12.
They will meet China’s Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin next, seeking redemption after last year’s quarter-final loss.