Malaysia’s top badminton pairs delivered exactly what was expected on the opening day of the Malaysian Open, as women’s doubles stars Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, along with men’s doubles aces Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, progressed smoothly into the second round at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. With pressure mounting on home favorites to perform, both pairs showed composure, quality, and intent to begin their 2026 campaigns on a positive note.
For Pearly and Thinaah, anything less than a first-round victory would have intensified scrutiny after several disappointing early exits in recent years. The world No. 2 duo responded in emphatic fashion, brushing aside India’s Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda in just 30 minutes with a commanding 21-11, 21-9 win.
Pearly–Thinaah End First-Round Jinx at Home
The result marked only the second time Pearly and Thinaah have advanced beyond the opening round of the Malaysian Open, having previously managed the feat in 2022. The past three editions had been particularly painful, with first-round eliminations in 2023, 2024, and 2025 dampening expectations and frustrating both players and fans alike.
That context made Tuesday’s win all the more significant. From the opening rally, Pearly and Thinaah played with purpose, dominating the net exchanges and applying relentless pressure from the back court. Their superior movement and tactical awareness left the Indian sisters struggling to gain any foothold in the match.
Pearly admitted that the weight of past failures had not been forgotten, but insisted that those experiences had driven the pair to prepare more thoroughly this year.
“We did think about the early exits, and we know that we needed to improve on that,” Pearly said after the match. “We were disappointed too by exiting in the first round, and the fans didn’t get to see us longer on the court. So this year we really came prepared.”
Thinaah echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building momentum early in the season. “It’s the first day and a new season, so we want to keep a good rhythm going. Of course, there are still things to improve on, but this was a solid start for us,” she said.
High-Stakes Rematch Awaits in Round Two
The challenge will intensify for Pearly and Thinaah in the second round, where they are set for a repeat of the SEA Games final against Indonesia’s Febriana Kusuma and Meilysa Puspitasari. The Malaysians emerged with gold in that encounter and also hold a psychological edge, having beaten the Indonesian pair three times on the BWF World Tour.
Despite the favorable head-to-head record, Pearly and Thinaah are well aware that past results count for little at this level. Febriana and Meilysa remain one of Southeast Asia’s most dangerous pairings, capable of punishing any lapse in concentration.
Maintaining focus, minimizing unforced errors, and managing the pressure of playing at home will be crucial if the Malaysians are to continue their run and push toward the latter stages of the tournament.
Aaron–Wooi Yik Impress with Efficient Display
In the men’s doubles, Olympic bronze medalists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik also enjoyed a stress-free passage into the second round. The Malaysian duo dispatched the United States pairing of Chen Zhi Yi and Presley Smith 21-11, 21-19 in just 34 minutes, showcasing their trademark blend of power and control.
Aaron and Wooi Yik looked sharp from the outset, taking the first game comfortably before facing slightly stiffer resistance in the second. However, their experience told in the closing stages, as they managed the key points with maturity to seal the match in straight games.
“We’re feeling good. Our condition is good and physically everything is okay,” Aaron said. “It’s a good start to the season, and that’s important for our confidence.”
The pair will next face either China’s Chen Xujun and Liu Yang or Taiwan’s Liu Kuang-heng and Yang Po-han for a place in the quarter-finals, a test that is expected to provide a clearer indication of their form and readiness for a deep tournament run.
Strong Support Cast Adds to Malaysia’s Momentum
Malaysia’s positive start was further bolstered by the progress of Yap Roy King and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, who advanced to the second round after a solid 22-20, 21-12 victory over Goh V Shem and Choi Sol-gyu. The match lasted 38 minutes and highlighted the growing confidence and cohesion of the Malaysian pair.
Their reward is a high-profile clash against India’s top-ranked duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, one of the most formidable men’s doubles teams on the circuit. While the challenge will be significant, the Malaysians will take heart from their composed opening-round performance.
Malaysian Open Set for Intensifying Battles
As the Malaysian Open moves deeper into the tournament, expectations around the home contingent are steadily rising. With Pearly–Thinaah finally breaking their first-round barrier and Aaron–Wooi Yik looking sharp and motivated, Malaysian fans have reason to believe that this year’s edition could deliver memorable moments.
The early signs point to a renewed focus, improved preparation, and a strong desire among Malaysia’s top pairs to make a statement on home soil. With tougher tests looming in the coming rounds, consistency and mental strength will be just as important as technical quality.
For now, though, the Malaysian Open has begun with no drama for its leading stars — only confidence, composure, and a clear message that Malaysia’s best are ready to challenge for honors once again.
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