The 2025 Canada Open was expected to be a valuable stop in the international badminton calendar for many up-and-coming shuttlers aiming to gain ranking points and build momentum ahead of the World Championships. However, for Malaysian mixed doubles pair Eogene Ewe and Lim Ling Ching, the campaign ended in disappointment as they bowed out in the early rounds, raising concerns about their current form and future direction as a partnership.
Despite promising signs in previous tournaments and their development trajectory under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the early exit came as a jolt to their growing fan base and coaching staff. As they returned to Kuala Lumpur, questions loomed: What went wrong in Canada? Were they physically or mentally off? And most importantly, what adjustments are necessary to prevent future early-round exits?
This article offers an in-depth look into their Canada Open performance, analyzes what led to the unexpected result, and explores how the duo can rebound stronger for the upcoming international circuit.
A Pair with Rising Expectations
Eogene Ewe and Lim Ling Ching first paired up officially under the BAM setup in late 2023. Both players had shown promise in their respective categories: Eogene in men’s doubles and Ling Ching in women’s doubles. When BAM reshuffled its mixed doubles program to prepare younger players for the 2028 Olympic cycle, Eogene and Ling Ching emerged as a developmental pair with considerable potential.
Within months, they made headlines with quarterfinal finishes at the German Open and an impressive upset over a seeded Thai pair in the 2024 Vietnam International Series. Their chemistry on court, although still raw, showed flashes of brilliance. Analysts praised their synergy, Eogene’s aggressive net interceptions, and Ling Ching’s ability to rotate seamlessly from defense to attack.
The Canada Open, therefore, was seen as another stepping stone where they could solidify their standing and continue climbing the world rankings.
The Match That Sparked Concern
Drawn against Japan’s Ryota Nakamura and Ayaka Kaneko in the first round, the Malaysians were expected to at least force a tight contest. But from the first game, it was evident that something was off.
They lost 14-21, 17-21 in just under 40 minutes. The match lacked rhythm and sharpness from the Malaysian side. Several unforced errors, particularly from the backcourt, handed easy points to the Japanese pair. Ling Ching seemed hesitant in her court coverage, while Eogene appeared increasingly frustrated, making rushed decisions at the net.
Coach Nova Armada, who oversaw their preparation, offered a candid post-match assessment. “They didn’t bring their best today. Their communication broke down midway, and they didn’t adapt to the Japanese pair’s strategy. It wasn’t just physical – mentally they weren’t locked in.”
Some technical statistics painted a clear picture:
- Unforced errors: 16 (compared to their usual average of 8-10)
- Smash conversion rate: Only 37%, their lowest of the season
- Net winners: 4 (compared to 11 in their Vietnam upset win)
These numbers underline a performance that lacked both tactical cohesion and execution.
Lingering Issues Beneath the Surface
While a single loss can often be chalked up to an off-day, this result wasn’t entirely isolated. Observers have noted a pattern of inconsistency in the pair’s performances over the past few months. After their semifinal appearance in Vietnam, they were knocked out in the first or second round in four consecutive tournaments: the Thailand Open, Malaysia Masters, Taipei Open, and now Canada.
Sources within BAM suggest that part of the struggle lies in Ling Ching’s transition from women’s doubles to mixed doubles. While she has excellent defensive instincts, adapting to the mixed format’s aggressive front-court play and frequent rotation demands has taken time.
Similarly, Eogene, although more experienced on the international circuit, has occasionally struggled with pacing. In mixed doubles, where tempo control is vital, his tendency to push rallies too quickly often leaves gaps in positioning.
Sports psychologist Dr. Nur Alia, who has worked with several BAM athletes, notes that such dips in performance are common in developmental partnerships. “Young athletes often hit a plateau after an early breakthrough. The pressure of expectation builds, and any dip in confidence gets magnified,” she said.
BAM’s Response and Technical Adjustments
BAM has maintained confidence in the pair’s long-term potential but acknowledges the need for targeted intervention. In a statement released post-Canada Open, BAM said, “Eogene and Ling Ching remain a key part of our development program. However, we will review their recent performances in detail and consider rotating training partners in simulation drills to enhance adaptability.”
Among the adjustments being discussed:
- Focus on tactical simulation: Recreating match situations in training to help the pair improve decision-making under pressure.
- Mental coaching sessions: Working with BAM’s psychological unit to boost focus and communication, especially during crunch points.
- Fitness conditioning: Enhancing Ling Ching’s agility and court speed, particularly for front-court interception and recovery.
- Rotational training: Occasionally pairing them with other players in mixed training to sharpen reflexes and positioning awareness.
Nova Armada added, “We need to get them more match exposure, but quality exposure. Sometimes, less is more. Playing too many tournaments can be counterproductive without specific goals.”
The Road Ahead Key Tournaments and Redemption Opportunities
With the Canada Open now behind them, Eogene and Ling Ching have a few weeks to regroup before their next big test: the 2025 Indonesia International Challenge in Surabaya. There, they are expected to face several tough Southeast Asian pairs and possibly re-ignite their form.
The Indonesia tournament will be followed by the Polish Open and the prestigious Hylo Open in Germany. Performance in these events will determine whether the pair remains in contention for a 2026 Asian Games squad slot, which remains one of BAM’s mid-term development goals.
Additionally, the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand looms as a benchmark. Although selection is still months away, competition among Malaysian mixed doubles pairs is heating up. Rising combinations like Ong Ewe Sin/Teoh Mei Xing and national backup pair Wan Zhen/Hui Ling are making strong cases for inclusion.
A Glimpse Into Their Mental State
Both Eogene and Ling Ching have remained largely silent since their Canada Open loss, save for a brief social media update where they thanked fans for continued support. In private, however, sources say the pair are frustrated but determined.
“They took it hard,” a BAM official revealed. “But they’re not blaming each other. They know this is part of the journey. It’s a learning curve, and they want to fix things together.”
The solidarity between the two may yet be their greatest asset. In a partnership-driven discipline like mixed doubles, mutual trust, and willingness to grow together can be the difference between fleeting appearances and long-term success.
Former Malaysian mixed doubles star Chan Peng Soon weighed in: “Losses like this happen. It’s how you respond that matters. I’ve seen Eogene train, and he has the fire. Ling Ching is learning fast. Give them time.”
Also Read:
