Odense, Denmark — Malaysia’s professional men’s doubles pair Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong pulled off the biggest upset of the 2025 Denmark Open, stunning world No. 1 Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae of South Korea in straight games on Thursday to book their place in the quarter-finals.
The world No. 24 Malaysians displayed exceptional composure and tactical awareness, toppling the reigning world champions 21–19, 21–14 in just 36 minutes at the Jyske Bank Arena.
Watch highlights of Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub/Tan Wee Kiong vs. Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae in the 2025 Denmark Open second round:
The victory not only marked Azriyn and Tan’s first-ever win over the Korean duo since pairing up last year, but also handed Kim and Seo their earliest exit of the season.
“We’re really happy with this win,” said Tan Wee Kiong to the Badminton World Federation (BWF). “Today, we just tried to enjoy the game, stay focused, and keep reminding each other to play our best.”
Tan credited their fast start and ability to match the Koreans’ speed as key to the victory.
“Everyone knows how quick and powerful they are. Our plan was to follow their rhythm early, then play our natural attacking style once we got the lead,” he explained.
The Malaysians will now face Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang of China in the quarter-finals after the Chinese pair defeated Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani 21–14, 21–18.
Mixed Doubles:
Malaysia celebrated further success in the mixed doubles event as Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai reached the quarter-finals with a 21–18, 21–13 win over Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami/Sayaka Hobara.
They will meet compatriots Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei, who advanced earlier by defeating China’s Gao Jia Xuan/Wu Meng Yin 21–14, 21–11 — setting up an all-Malaysian quarter-final clash.
Women’s Singles:
A major shock unfolded when Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China was knocked out in straight games by Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark, who thrilled the home crowd with a 21–9, 21–17 victory.
Blichfeldt will face compatriot Han Yue in the quarter-finals on Friday, while Chen’s defeat marked her earliest World Tour exit in months.
Women’s Doubles:
Malaysia’s Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan fell 18–21, 9–21 to Japan’s Arisa Igarashi/Chiharu Shida, ending their run after a dominant showing in Finland last week.
Men’s Singles Quarter-Finals Preview:
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Viktor Axelsen (DEN) vs. Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA)
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Shi Yuqi (CHN) vs. Christo Popov (FRA)
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Jonatan Christie (INA) vs. Li Shi Feng (CHN)
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Alex Lanier (FRA) vs. Lakshya Sen (IND)
Malaysia’s stunning win over the men’s doubles top seeds has added fresh excitement to the 2025 Denmark Open, reminding the badminton world that experience, teamwork, and belief can still triumph over rankings.
