(Qingdao, Feb 6) — The 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships continued today with the quarterfinals, where Malaysia’s men’s team suffered a 0–3 defeat to Japan, ending their campaign in the last eight.
In the opening men’s singles match, Malaysia’s Heo Shou Wei (world No. 39) faced Japan’s Tanaka Yushi (world No. 19). Heo dropped the first game 17–21 but fought back strongly to take the second 22–20. However, he was unable to maintain momentum in the decider and lost 11–21, giving Japan the first point.
Japan then doubled their lead in the first men’s doubles, as Malaysia’s “Arif-Yeoh” pairing (Arif/Yeoh Rui Qing, world No. 18) fell to Japan’s Hoki Kobayashi duo (Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi, world No. 9) 14–21, 12–21 — marking Malaysia’s third consecutive loss against the same opponents.
In the second men’s singles, Malaysia’s Aidil (world No. 49) produced a dramatic turnaround in the first game, recovering from 16–20 down with a six-point streak to win 22–20 against Japan’s Watanabe Koki (world No. 23). Japan’s shuttler responded emphatically, taking the next two games 21–11 and 21–3 to seal the match — and Japan sealed the tie 3–0 overall.
Results (tie decided after three matches):
- MS1: Heo Shou Wei lost to Tanaka Yushi 17–21, 22–20, 11–21
- MD1: Arif/Yeoh Rui Qing lost to Hoki Takuro/Kobayashi Yugo 14–21, 12–21
- MS2: Aidil lost to Watanabe Koki 22–20, 11–21, 3–21
