In a thrilling display of strategy, grit, and veteran poise, Malaysia’s men’s doubles duo Muhammad Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 Japan Open so far, toppling the second-seeded Danish pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in straight games, 21-17, 21-19.
The stunning victory, achieved at the iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium, catapults the Malaysian underdogs into the quarterfinals of a Super 750 event, reigniting interest in Malaysia’s doubles scene and sending a strong message to the global badminton community: the experienced and emerging can still conquer giants.
A Duo of Contrasts Veteran and Reinvigorated Contender
At first glance, the partnership of Azriyn and Wee Kiong may seem unconventional. Tan Wee Kiong, 35, is a decorated veteran and Olympic silver medalist from Rio 2016, once ranked world No. 1 alongside Goh V Shem. Muhammad Azriyn Ayub, on the other hand, has spent most of his career on the periphery of the international scene, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling to find consistency and the right partner.
Their pairing, established less than a year ago, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Some questioned whether Wee Kiong still had the physical intensity for top-level doubles play, while others doubted if Azriyn could rise to elite expectations.
Yet, under the guidance of head coach Rexy Mainaky, the pair has shown progressive improvements in chemistry, shot selection, and resilience. The Japan Open marks the biggest breakthrough of their fledgling partnership.
Tactical Brilliance on Display
From the very first rally against the experienced Danes, Azriyn and Wee Kiong demonstrated that this was not going to be a match dictated by rankings. The Malaysians played aggressive front-court exchanges, forcing Astrup and Rasmussen out of their comfort zone and interrupting their usual rhythm.
Wee Kiong’s vast experience showed in his positioning and soft touch at the net, which repeatedly disrupted the Danes’ drive game. Azriyn, with his explosive energy and steep smashes, complemented his partner perfectly.
“We knew we couldn’t beat them in a power game,” said Wee Kiong after the match. “The plan was to mix it up, keep the shuttle low, and press at the net. And we executed that really well.”
The Malaysians took the opening game 21-17, capitalizing on a string of errors from the Danes, who seemed unsettled by the unexpected resistance. The second game was tighter, with multiple lead changes, but it was Azriyn’s fierce mid-game burst and two decisive interceptions at the net that secured the 21-19 win.
The Underdog Spirit
Coming into the match, Astrup and Rasmussen were clear favorites. The Danish duo has been a consistent top-five pair in the BWF World Rankings for the past three years, known for their brute force and effective court coverage.
Yet, it was the underdog mentality that gave the Malaysians an edge.
“We weren’t nervous because we had nothing to lose,” said Azriyn. “We played free and focused only on our strategy. It was one of those days where everything clicked.”
Their fearless approach was particularly evident in the closing stages of the second game. At 18-19 down, Azriyn unleashed a full-power cross-court smash followed by a stunning net kill from Wee Kiong that flipped the match. Two points later, the Malaysians were on their knees, fists clenched, celebrating a famous win.
Reactions from the Badminton World
The result sent shockwaves across the badminton circuit. Fans on social media were quick to heap praise on the Malaysian pair, while commentators on the BWF broadcast called the performance “tactically perfect” and “a textbook example of exploiting opponent weaknesses.”
Former doubles champion and Malaysian icon Koo Kien Keat tweeted, “Incredible from Azriyn and Wee Kiong. Smart, sharp, and brave. This is what Malaysian doubles is all about.”
Rexy Mainaky, visibly elated, praised his charges but urged caution.
“This is a big win, yes. But the journey isn’t over. Quarterfinals will be tougher, and we must stay grounded. The key is consistency.”
The Road Ahead
Azriyn and Wee Kiong now face India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the reigning Asian champions and one of the most physically imposing pairs on the tour. The Indian duo has been in red-hot form, dismantling their earlier opponents in straight games.
The upcoming clash will be a stern test of endurance, reflexes, and adaptability.
“We’ve beaten one top pair, but to go further we need to push even harder,” said Azriyn. “We’ll study the Indians carefully. We know their strengths, and we’ll look for gaps.”
Coach Rexy added that recovery and mental composure will be critical.
“They’ve never played back-to-back high-pressure matches at this level before. But this is where champions are made.”
A Revival for Malaysian Men’s Doubles
Malaysian men’s doubles has traditionally been the nation’s strongest discipline. From the Sidek brothers to Choong Tan Fook–Lee Wan Wah, and later Koo Kien Keat–Tan Boon Heong, the country has consistently produced world-class pairings.
In recent years, however, results have dipped. The retirement of senior pairs and inconsistent performances from younger duos created a vacuum.
Azriyn and Wee Kiong’s rise could not have come at a better time. Their success in Tokyo may act as a catalyst for renewed belief among upcoming Malaysian shuttlers.
“We want to show the younger players that hard work, no matter your age or background, can still pay off,” Wee Kiong emphasized.
Building Trust and Chemistry
In doubles, chemistry can make or break a pairing. Azriyn and Wee Kiong’s dynamic works because of mutual respect and defined roles. Wee Kiong acts as the tactical brain and calming presence, while Azriyn brings firepower and agility.
Their contrasting styles complement each other, and as both have admitted in interviews, their personalities mesh well off-court too. They spend time analyzing matches together, playing video games, and supporting each other during rough patches.
“He keeps me calm, and I try to keep the energy up,” Azriyn said with a grin. “We’re learning from each other every day.”
The Bigger Picture Olympic Dreams
While the Japan Open is a massive moment, it also ties into a broader ambition — qualifying for the Paris 2028 Olympics.
Given the tight race in men’s doubles qualification, every win in Super 750 events counts significantly toward BWF rankings. Should the pair maintain their current trajectory, they could position themselves among the top 16 pairs globally by early 2026.
“We’re not thinking too far ahead,” Wee Kiong noted. “But of course, Paris is a dream. For me, a second Olympics would be a bonus. For Azriyn, it would be his first. So we’ll keep pushing.”
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