MALAYSIA’S BATC CAMPAIGN ENDS IN QUARTER-FINALS AFTER 0-3 LOSS TO JAPAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s campaign in the men's category of the 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) in Qingdao, China, ended in the quarter-finals today after a 0-3 defeat to Japan, thus failing to defend the silver medal won in the 2024 edition.

The defeat sees Malaysia missing out on the semi-finals and, consequently, failing to secure an automatic qualification slot for the Thomas Cup since only the top four teams qualify on merit through this tournament.

However, the national squad's chances are not entirely over, as they could still qualify based on their standing as one of the top three teams among countries that did not qualify through continental championships.

The quarter-final clash began with a fierce battle in the first singles match as Justin Hoh put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell to Yushi Tanaka 17-21, 22-20, 11-21 in three sets, putting Malaysia behind 0-1.

A daunting task awaited the men's doubles pair, Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King. However, the duo failed to overcome the clinical pressure of the Japanese pair, Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, losing 14-21, 12-21 in straight sets.

Malaysia's exit was confirmed in the second singles match. Despite winning the first set, Aidil Sholeh was unable to maintain his momentum, eventually succumbing to Koki Watanabe 22-20, 11-21, 3-21.

For the record, Malaysia’s best achievement in the men’s category of this tournament was winning the gold medal in the 2022 edition. They also secured silver medals in 2020 and 2024, and a bronze in 2018.

--BERNAMA