Malaysia kicked off their 2025 Sudirman Cup campaign with a confident statement, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead against a weakened France side in their Group C opener at Xiamen, China. In a performance marked by composure, clinical execution, and strategic prowess, the Malaysian team showcased why they are regarded as strong contenders in this edition of the prestigious world mixed team event.
While the absence of key French players like Alex Lanier, Toma Junior Popov, Christo Popov, and top mixed doubles duo Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue tilted the odds heavily in Malaysia’s favor, it was nevertheless a crucial opening victory that will help set the tone for the rest of the group stage.
A Commanding Beginning in Men’s Doubles
The day’s proceedings began with Malaysia’s men’s doubles duo, world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, taking to the court against France’s Mael Cattoen and Lucas Renoir. From the outset, the Malaysian pair imposed their authority, dictating the tempo of rallies and exposing the inexperience of their opponents.
With aggressive front-court play and unrelenting smashes, Sze Fei and Izzuddin coasted to a 21-11 win in the first game. The French pair showed brief flashes of resistance, but the Malaysians’ superior anticipation and tactical variety saw them dominate the second game even more emphatically, winning 21-9.
The victory not only earned Malaysia the first point but also sent a clear message to other contenders — Malaysia’s men’s doubles strength remains a formidable weapon.
Jin Wei’s Steely Resolve in Women’s Singles
Next up, former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei took on France’s Leonice Huet in the women’s singles match. Having overcome health challenges earlier in her career, Jin Wei has steadily been rebuilding her form and confidence. Her performance against Huet was yet another step forward.
The Malaysian displayed a mixture of patience and precision, engaging in long rallies when needed but also attacking decisively at the right moments. She breezed through the first game 21-10, barely giving Huet a chance to find her rhythm.
The second game was a different story. Huet fought back admirably, tightening her defense and taking a more aggressive stance. Jin Wei was pushed harder but maintained her calm, eventually closing out the match 21-19 to double Malaysia’s advantage.
It wasn’t just a win; it was an important affirmation of Jin Wei’s rising trajectory back to the top levels of women’s singles badminton.
Leong Jun Hao Delivers the Clinching Blow
With Malaysia leading 2-0, all eyes turned to the men’s singles match, where Leong Jun Hao faced France’s Arnaud Merkle. On paper, it was expected to be a close encounter, and it did not disappoint in terms of competitiveness.
Jun Hao had to dig deep against Merkle, who despite France’s depleted squad, played with admirable grit. The first game saw both players locked in a tense battle, with Jun Hao narrowly edging it 22-20 after saving a game point.
In the second game, Jun Hao’s shot selection and net play came to the fore. Although Merkle fought valiantly, Jun Hao remained just a step ahead, eventually clinching the game 21-19 to secure Malaysia’s third and decisive point of the tie.
His victory ensured Malaysia an early 3-0 lead, rendering the two remaining matches — mixed doubles and women’s doubles — mere formalities for the final scoreline.
France’s Uphill Battle
France, to their credit, showed heart despite missing several stalwarts. The Popov brothers have often been the backbone of French badminton in recent years, and their absence, coupled with that of Gicquel and Delrue, meant the squad in Xiamen was one brimming with youth and inexperience.
Mael Cattoen and Lucas Renoir found themselves up against one of the world’s most formidable pairs in their very first match, while Leonice Huet battled hard to stretch Jin Wei to the limit in the second game. Arnaud Merkle, despite his loss, demonstrated the kind of tenacity that suggests France’s future remains bright once their full-strength roster returns.
Nonetheless, the gap in quality and experience was glaring, and Malaysia took full advantage to begin their Sudirman Cup quest on the front foot.
Malaysia’s Strategic Approach
A key takeaway from Malaysia’s performance was their meticulous approach to each match. Coach Rexy Mainaky, overseeing the campaign, emphasized the importance of respecting every opponent and not underestimating the French side despite their weakened lineup.
“Our objective was not only to win but to maintain focus and execute our strategies correctly,” Rexy said after the tie. “There are no easy matches at this level. Every win builds momentum, and we want to grow stronger with each round.”
Malaysia’s top pairings, like Sze Fei-Izzuddin and women’s doubles powerhouse Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (who were scheduled for the later match), have been touted as crucial elements in Malaysia’s title aspirations. The coaches rotated players smartly, balancing the need to field strong teams while also giving valuable match experience to rising talents.
A Boost for Team Morale
Winning the opener in such dominant fashion cannot be underestimated in its psychological importance. Group C also features other potential banana skins, and an early slip-up could have complicated Malaysia’s pathway to the knockout rounds.
Leong Jun Hao’s ability to perform under pressure, Jin Wei’s composure, and the doubles’ ruthlessness all point toward a Malaysian side mentally primed for the grind of the Sudirman Cup.
Goh Sze Fei, speaking to reporters afterward, emphasized the team’s collective mindset.
“We are not just thinking about individual matches; we are thinking about the title,” he said. “Today was a good start, but there is a long way to go.”
The Bigger Picture Malaysia’s Sudirman Cup Ambitions
Malaysia has never won the Sudirman Cup, despite being one of badminton’s historic powerhouses. Their best finish remains as runners-up in 2009 when they lost to China in the final. The current squad, blending experienced players like Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly-Thinaah, and Lee Zii Jia (in men’s singles), alongside emerging talents like Jin Wei and Jun Hao, represents arguably Malaysia’s most balanced team in years.
The road to the title will be anything but easy. Traditional giants like China, Japan, Indonesia, and Denmark all boast squads packed with world champions and Olympic medalists. However, Malaysia’s 3-0 dismantling of France — no matter the circumstances — shows they have the unity, depth, and hunger needed to mount a serious challenge.
Following the win over France, Malaysia will turn their attention to stiffer challenges in the group stage, including matches against powerhouses like Chinese Taipei and a dangerous India team.
Managing player fatigue, rotating wisely, and maintaining the sharp mental focus displayed in their opener will be essential if Malaysia hopes to not just progress but thrive deeper into the tournament.
Coach Rosman Razak summed it up well:
“This is just the first step. Now we build — match by match, point by point.”
The upcoming ties will also be a litmus test for Malaysia’s ability to adapt tactics. Versatile players like Pearly-Thinaah and Lee Zii Jia offer strategic flexibility, while younger players like Carmen Ting, just called up for her first senior Sudirman Cup, could be unleashed when needed for valuable exposure without putting results at risk.
France A Team to Watch in the Future
Despite the defeat, France’s project to nurture young talents under the guidance of Malaysian legend Wong Choong Hann remains on track. The experience gained by their junior squad in facing top-level opposition will be invaluable.
The Popov brothers, Lanier, and their other key players are all still young, and the experience of missing this Sudirman Cup may only fuel their hunger for future success. In tournaments to come, France could evolve into a dangerous side capable of upsetting more established nations.
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