Malaysian Duo Advances at 2025 Kumamoto Masters Amidst Mixed Results
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Malaysia experienced a day of contrasting fortunes at the 2025 Kumamoto Masters (Super 500) in Japan, with two mixed doubles pairs securing advancement to the second round while others faced early exits. The tournament marks a significant step on the road to the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou,China.
Hoo and Cheng Triumph After Injury Return
The returning duo of Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin demonstrated resilience and determination, battling to a hard-fought victory over Chinese Taipei’s Wu Hsuan-Yi and yang Chu Yun. After a 54-minute contest, they prevailed with a score of 21-18, 18-21, 21-19, earning their place in the next round.This marks a promising return for the pair,who had not competed on the BWF World Tour since the Korea Open in September due to a calf injury sustained by Cheng.
Currently ranked world No. 20, their comeback in Kumamoto signals a renewed partnership and a potential resurgence in form. They will now face a formidable challenge in the round of 16 against Thailand’s top-seeded pair, Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran, who comfortably defeated Japan’s Haruki Kawabe and kokona Ishikawa 21-17, 21-10.
Mixed Doubles Show Strength, Despite Setbacks
Malaysia’s independent pair, Jimmy Wong and Lai Pei Jing, continued their notable momentum, building on their success as runners-up at last week’s Korea Masters. They secured a victory against Lu ming Che and Hung En Tzu of Taiwan with a score of 21-19, 21-15, and will now compete against another Taiwanese duo, seventh seeds Ye Hong Wei and Nicole Gonzales Chan, for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.
Though, not all Malaysian pairs enjoyed success. Fourth seeds Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara, losing 17-21, 13-21 in straight games. Despite this early exit, the experienced pair, along with chen tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, have already qualified for the BWF World Tour Finals 2025 in Hangzhou.
Additionally, Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien were defeated by Liu Kuang Heng and Jheng Yu Chieh of Chinese Taipei, 15-21, 16-21, ending their run in the tournament.
Singles Struggles for Leong Jun Hao
In men’s singles,Leong Jun Hao faced continued challenges,falling in a 68-minute battle against India’s H.S. Prannoy. Despite winning the opening game 21-16, Leong ultimately lost 21-13, 23-21, marking his fifth consecutive first-round exit on the BWF Tour.
This year’s campaign proved disappointing for Leong, especially considering his previous success at the 2024 Kumamoto Masters, where he reached the final – the biggest achievement of his career. Prannoy, currently ranked world No. 35, will advance to face Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke, who defeated Lee Chia hao of Chinese Taipei 21-18, 21-17.
Malaysia’s hopes now rest heavily on its mixed doubles contingent, particularly Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin, as they demonstrate renewed determination following Cheng’s injury.Their upcoming clash with Thailand’s top seeds promises to be a highlight of the 2025 Kumamoto Masters and a crucial contest on the path to the BWF World Tour Finals.
