Zi Yu and Noraqilah secure a historic Super 500 quarter-final spot as their stunning dream run continues at the Australian Open.
Malaysia Badminton News confirms the world No. 84 duo produced a clinical performance at the Quaycentre in Sydney.
They dispatched home favorites Jazmine Lam and Lim Yee Yuan 21-9, 21-18 in the last sixteen.
This victory marks their first appearance in the final eight at this level.
SmashNews reports that the teenagers previously shocked Taiwan’s world No. 8 pair in the opening round of the tournament.
Elite Progression to the Super 500 Quarter-Final Stage
This victory helps Noraqilah recover from her earlier mixed doubles exit alongside Loo Bing Kun.
They face a much tougher test next against Indonesia’s world No. 15 Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari.
The experienced Indonesians finished as runners-up in Sydney last year and hold a significant physical advantage.
However, the Malaysian teenagers remain highly confident after already dismantling two top-ten pairs this season.
Every match in Sydney helps build their national squad depth and tactical shuttlecock mastery.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles department suffered a disappointing setback at the Quaycentre.
Chia Wei Jie and Teo Ee Yi failed to join the quarter-final lineup.
They squandered a first-game advantage to fall 21-13, 18-21, 17-21 against Taiwan’s world No. 174 pair.
Smashnews understands that the professional duo has struggled to progress past the last sixteen since May.
Coaches expect immediate tactical adjustments as the team prepares for upcoming tournaments on the world tour.
The search for consistency continues for the newly formed partnership.