Xiamen: Malaysia’s national badminton team is gearing up for a decisive Group C showdown against Japan in the 2025 Sudirman Cup, with key players Leong Jun Hao and the women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah expected to play pivotal roles.
Both teams have already secured quarterfinal spots after back-to-back wins over France and Australia. However, the upcoming match will determine the group winner—a crucial factor that could influence the knockout stage draw.
Men’s doubles ace Aaron Chia, who partners with Soh Wooi Yik, confirmed the team’s intent.
“We’ll do everything we can to beat Japan and top the group,” he said.
Malaysia is favored to pick up points in mixed and men’s doubles, but the real test lies in the men’s singles and women’s doubles.
Leong Jun Hao is set to play as Malaysia’s lead in men’s singles. The 25-year-old has a strong head-to-head record, winning three of the last four matches against Kodai Naraoka and four of five against Koki Watanabe.
Meanwhile, Pearly-Thinaah are likely to face world No. 2 duo Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida. Although the Japanese pair have won 12 of their 13 previous encounters, Malaysia’s duo is known for their grit and fighting spirit, keeping hopes of an upset alive.
Malaysia may also field Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik over Japan’s top pair Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi. In contrast, Aaron-Wooi Yik have only won two of their 10 past encounters with the Japanese duo.
For mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are expected to start in their meetings with Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa / Arisa Igarashi.
The women’s singles match will also be crucial. While Goh Jin Wei is up against Tomoka Miyazaki (WR #8).
Malaysia’s Lineup vs Japan:
Mixed Doubles: Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei vs. Hiroki Midorikawa / Arisa Igarashi
Men’s Singles: Leong Jun Hao vs. Kodai Naraoka
Women’s Singles: Goh Jin Wei vs. Tomoka Miyazaki
Men’s Doubles: Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik vs. Takuro Hoki / Yugo Kobayashi
Women’s Doubles: Pearly Tan / M. Thinaah vs. Nami Matsuyama / Chiharu Shida
National Singles Coach Kenneth Jonassen emphasized mental and physical readiness.
“Matches against France and Australia didn’t test our players fully. Japan will be a real challenge,” he said. “Tactical discipline and flexibility will be key.”
Both Malaysia and Japan will battle for the group’s top seed —an advantage that could shape their Sudirman Cup title hopes.
