Xiamen – Malaysia will face a daunting challenge in the 2025 Sudirman Cup quarterfinals after being drawn against 13-time champions China. The high-stakes encounter is set for tomorrow in Xiamen, China.
The draw followed Malaysia’s narrow 3-2 loss to Japan in the final Group C match earlier today, preventing them from topping the group. That defeat now pits them against tournament favorites China, a team brimming with world-class talent and backed by home support.
Malaysia started strong in their tie against Japan, with the reunited mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei producing a dominant performance. Ranked world No. 4, the duo easily dispatched Japan’s newly formed pair Hiroki Midorikawa-Arisa Igarashi 21-19, 21-8 in just 39 minutes.
Men’s singles rising star Leong Jun Hao delivered one of the biggest wins of the day, upsetting world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka 21-8, 13-21, 21-18 in a thrilling 68-minute battle. It was Jun Hao’s third win in four meetings against the Japanese ace.
Watch: Leong Jun Hao vs. Kodai Naraoka in Sudirman Cup 2025
With Malaysia leading 2-0, Japan mounted a strong comeback. In the women’s singles, Tomoka Miyazaki proved too much for Goh Jin Wei, winning 21-14, 21-17.
In the men’s doubles, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik were tasked with sealing the tie but fell short once again to Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi 21-12, 20-22, 21-23—extending their losing record to eight defeats in ten matchups.
The deciding match came down to women’s doubles, where Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah fought valiantly but lost 18-21, 21-18, 18-21 to world No. 2 pair Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida. It marked their 13th loss in 14 meetings against the Japanese duo.
Malaysia now turns its attention to the quarterfinal against China, aiming to reach the semifinals for a third consecutive edition after bronze finishes in 2021 and 2023.
Sudirman Cup 2025 Quarterfinal Fixtures:
• China vs. Malaysia
• Japan vs. Chinese Taipei
• Denmark vs. South Korea
• Thailand vs. Indonesia
