Ahead of the upcoming Malaysia Masters happening this week at the Unifi Arena, Stadium Astro takes a look at three Malaysian pairs who could shine in front of their own supporters.
Noraqilah Maisarah-Low Zi Yu
Fresh from a memorable Uber Cup campaign which saw them dish out one the tournament’s biggest upsets, Noraqilah-Low followed up that performance by reaching their first World Tour final at the China Masters on Sunday.
Eventhough they lost in that final, the Malaysians will take plenty of heart as they aim continue their steady progress by impressing at the Malaysia Masters.
The world number 131 pair have qualified to the main draw after receiving a bye from the qualifiers.
Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing
The 2024 world junior champions are targeting to go as far as the semi-finals in this competition, and they have the quality to do so.
This young pair have already worked their way into the world top 30 ranking, and have proven they are more than capable of claiming big name scalps, just like India's top pair Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy found out at the All-England this year.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik may be the favourites as top seeds, but Tai-Kang may just surprise everyone with an impressive run.
Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah
With Tan fully fit and ready for action having missed out on the Uber Cup, this pair will carry Malaysia's hopes of winning the Malaysia Masters.
It's been 14-years since a national pair won this event since Chin Ee Hui-Wong Pei Tty back in 2012.
Tan-Thinaah may have a score to settle in this tournament having finished second in 2023 and reaching the semis last year.
In the absence of many top pairs including world number one Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning, the world number two will feel this could be their year.
