Malaysia’s rising badminton star, Justin Hoh, continued his impressive streak at the 2025 Macau Open, securing a straight-game victory over India’s seventh seed Ayush Shetty in the men’s singles round of 16 on Thursday. In a match that demonstrated his growing maturity and consistency, Justin triumphed 21-18, 21-16 to book a well-deserved spot in the quarter-finals.
Ranked world No. 45, the 21-year-old Malaysian shuttler extended his personal head-to-head record against world No. 31 Ayush Shetty to 3-2, proving his ability to compete with and overcome higher-ranked opponents on the international stage.
This latest win marks only the third time Justin has progressed to the last eight of a BWF World Tour Super 300 or higher-tier tournament. His previous quarter-final appearances came at the Taipei Open in both 2023 and 2024. Now, in 2025, Justin is eyeing an even deeper run as he aims to make his first-ever semi-final at this level.
In the next round, Justin will face a formidable test against either Thailand’s former World Championship bronze medallist Kantaphon Wangcharoen or Singapore’s emerging talent Jason Teh. With confidence on his side, Justin appears determined to take another step forward in his young but promising career.
Mаlауѕіа’ѕ Mixed Dоublеѕ Surprise: Jіmmу Wоng аnd Lai Pеі Jіng Stun Indian Duo to Rеасh Lаѕt Eight
Malaysia’s success in Macau wasn’t limited to the singles event. In thе mixed doubles саtеgоrу, the nеwlу formed рrоfеѕѕіоnаl раіr Jіmmу Wong аnd Lаі Pei Jing caused a major uрѕеt bу dеfеаtіng Indіа’ѕ wоrld Nо. 18 duо, Dhruv Kаріlа аnd Tаnіѕhа Crаѕtо, in a thrіllіng three-game match.
Dеѕріtе bеіng their World Tоur debut аѕ a раіr, Jimmy аnd Pei Jіng ѕhоwеd grеаt сhеmіѕtrу аnd resilience.
After dropping the first game 19-21, they bounced back impressively to win the next two games 21-13, 21-18, securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament.
Their next challenge will be against the formidable second-seeded pair from China, Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi, who are among the favorites to win the title.
Since partnering in March 2025, Jimmy and Pei Jing have shown excellent potential, reaching three finals on the BWF satellite circuit: the Vietnam International Challenge, the Thailand International Series, and the St Denis Reunion Open. Now, with momentum on their side, they are aiming for a career-best performance in Macau.
For Lai Pei Jing, the Macau Open holds special significance. She previously reached the semi-finals of this event back in 2016 alongside her former partner Tan Kian Meng, who has since retired. Her return to form in familiar territory is a heartening development.
Pei Jing is also preparing for another key assignment later this month in Paris, where she will serve as a sparring partner for the French national team ahead of the 2025 BWF World Championships, scheduled to be held from August 25 to 31.
Looking Ahead: Bright Prospects for Malaysia in Macau
As the tournament heads into its crucial stages, all eyes will be on Justin Hoh and the duo of Jimmy Wong–Lai Pei Jing. Their performances so far have not only boosted Malaysia’s hopes in the tournament but also signaled the emergence of a new generation of players ready to shine on the world stage.
With ѕtrоng mоmеntum and hіgh spirits, Malaysian bаdmіntоn fаnѕ саn dаrе to drеаm of brеаkthrоugh реrfоrmаnсеѕ in Macau.
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