Paris, August 26, 2025 – Malaysia’s men’s doubles duo Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun survived a nail-biting three-game thriller against France’s Popov brothers, while Leong Jun Hao cruised into the second round in singles action at the 2025 BWF Badminton World Championships.
🔥 Man-Tee Edge Popov Brothers in 65-Minute Showdown
The seventh-seeded Malaysian pair battled past Christo and Toma Junior Popov in front of a raucous French crowd at Adidas Arena, prevailing 21-15, 13-21, 21-19 in a gripping 65-minute contest.
Watch highlights of Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun vs. Christo and Toma Junior Popov in the 2025 World Championships 1st round:
After comfortably winning the opening game, Man-Tee stumbled in the second and found themselves trailing 11-16 in the decider. But the Malaysians kept their composure, rallied point by point, and clinched the match with nerves of steel to remain undefeated in three head-to-head encounters with the French brothers.
They now face England’s Sean Vendy–Ben Lane for a quarterfinal berth. The English pair advanced after dispatching Korea’s Kim Gi Jung–Kim Sa Rang, 21-18, 21-16.
🧊 Leong Jun Hao Dominates Opener, Prepares for Nishimoto Clash
In men’s singles, Leong Jun Hao made a commanding start to his World Championships debut, brushing aside Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi 21-14, 21-12 in just 31 minutes.
Ranked World No. 25, Leong Jun Hao was rarely tested by the World No. 137 and advanced with ease. However, a much sterner challenge awaits in the form of Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, the 14th seed who ousted Taiwan’s Wang Tzu Wei 21-13, 21-12.
🗣️ Coach Kenneth Jonassen: “Tomorrow Will Be a Real Test”
Malaysia’s singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen praised Leong Jun Hao’s sharp start and focus:
“He started well, found his rhythm early, and maintained concentration throughout — that was the key,” said Jonassen.
Still, Jonassen cautioned that Nishimoto will be a true physical test:
“Tomorrow’s match will be intense and physically demanding. Both players know each other’s styles well. It’ll be a fascinating challenge for Jun Hao.”
So far, Leong Jun Hao leads the head-to-head 3–2, including a recent victory over Nishimoto at the China Open in July.
