logo
Malaysia to face hosts China in Sudirman Cup quarterfinal

Malaysia to face hosts China in Sudirman Cup quarterfinal

Daily Express02-05-2025

Malaysia to face hosts China in Sudirman Cup quarterfinal
Kuala Lumpur:
Malaysia's national badminton squad faces its toughest test yet after being drawn against hosts China in today's Sudirman Cup 2025 quarterfinals following the draw ceremony in Xiamen yesterday.
The Malaysian team, which finished as Group C runners-up, will challenge the 13-time champions and three-time defending titleholders who topped Group A.
Advertisement
The other quarter-final ties will see Japan face Taiwan, Denmark take on South Korea, and Thailand go up against Indonesia.
A potential semifinal awaits Malaysia against either Japan or Taiwan should they overcome China.
SPONSORED CONTENT
During the group stage, Malaysia secured two victories - a 5-0 win against France and 4-1 against Australia - before a narrow 2-3 loss to Japan.
Malaysia's best Sudirman Cup performance remains three semifinal appearances, namely in 2009, 2021, and 2023.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel, it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. "Honestly, I'm happy to be back," said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. "The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play." Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. "It came from my grandfather's side," said the Dutch-born player. "From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from." Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. "Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result." Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. "We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution." With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. "Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday."

Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia
Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia

Malaysia's Endrick Dos Santos in action against Taiwan during the World Cup qualifier match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised playmaker Endrick dos Santos is entering familiar territory when Malaysia take on Vietnam in a crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil next Tuesday. The 30-year-old Dos Santos' ties with Vietnam run deep. Currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim to Ho Chi Minh City FC in 1, he has strong relationships with his club teammates and coaches. And that comes with some valuable inside knowledge which he hopes to utilise and help the Harimau Malaya gain an advantage. Malaysia have yet to beat Vietnam in their last few outings but Dos Santos believes this time around, things are different, not just because of home advantage but due to the meticulous preparation and unity in the camp. "We've analysed the Vietnam team with our analysts. They're fast, strong, and they fight. But like every team, they have weaknesses. We've trained hard to follow the coach's plan. I trust the team and the process 100 percent, this will be a good game." Dos Santos still has two more matches left on his contract in Vietnam before discussions about his future take place. But for now, his focus is fully on Malaysia. With several new Malaysian-heritage players joining the squad, Endrick's multilingual background, where he is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and some Malay, has made him a natural bridge in the dressing room. "We speak a bit of everything to help each other. I try to make the new guys feel comfortable. The staff and players are all walking in the same direction now. That's very important. We think alike, we move as one and we're focused only on the win." While Vietnam will be a tough test, Dos Santos is confident Malaysia can rise to the occasion - especially with the home crowd behind them. "It's 11 vs 11, but we're playing at home. That changes things. The fans give us a big push and we need them. We'll do everything to get the three points."

Pearly-Thinaah storm into Indonesia Open semi-finals
Pearly-Thinaah storm into Indonesia Open semi-finals

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

Pearly-Thinaah storm into Indonesia Open semi-finals

KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah displayed fiery form as they stormed into the Indonesia Open semi-finals for the first time on Friday. World No. 4 Pearly-Thinaah secured a 21-6, 21-18 win over world No. 5 Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi in the last eight at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta The victory stretched the Malaysian pair's head-to-head record to 5-2 against Iwanaga-Nakanishi. Pearly-Thinaah will play China's world No. 6 Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min in the last four on Saturday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store