Leong Jun Hao Stunned Jonatan Christie but Malaysia Lost Three Two to Indonesia in Asian Games Quarter-Final
Malaysia's men were knocked out of the badminton team event at Ichinomiya, while the women's team also bowed out after a three-one quarter-final defeat to South Korea.
Malaysia's men's badminton team were eliminated from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on 22 September 2026, losing 3-2 to Indonesia in the team event quarter-final at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium despite a headline upset from Leong Jun Hao.
Leong gave Malaysia the lead by beating world number one Jonatan Christie 20-22, 21-12, 21-17 in the opening singles. Indonesia hit back through Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, who beat Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin 21-15, 19-21, 21-10, before Alwi Farhan defeated Justin Hoh 21-19, 21-19.
Aaron Chia and Tee Kai Wun kept Malaysia alive by beating Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin 17-21, 21-16, 21-13 and force a decider. Moh Zaki Ubaidillah then beat Eogene Ewe 21-11, 21-11 to send Indonesia through.
"In the early part of the game, I felt my rhythm wasn't quite working, and when I fell far behind, I tried to chase back until I managed to secure game points," Leong said of his win, according to Bernama.
Malaysia's women's team also went out at the quarter-final stage, losing 3-1 to South Korea. Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah beat world number two pair Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee, but Cheng Su Yin and Low Zi Yu lost the decisive fourth match 18-21, 21-11, 24-22.
Malaysia's shuttlers now switch focus to the individual events, which follow the team competition at the Games.