Malaysia kicked off their TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 campaign in style, dominating France with a clean 5-0 sweep in their Group C opener at Xiamen, China, on Monday.
World No. 2 men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani set the tone early, delivering a solid first point with a 21-11, 21-9 win over Mael Cattoen-Lucas Renoir. This match marked Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s debut in the prestigious Sudirman Cup, although the duo are veterans of the Thomas Cup. Following a productive centralized training stint under BAM and national coach Herry IP, the independent pair made a convincing statement alongside Malaysia’s other top-ranked duos, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
In the women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei doubled Malaysia’s lead after comfortably dispatching Léonice Huet 21-10, 21-19.
Men’s singles ace Leong Jun Hao then delivered the third and decisive point, showing nerves of steel to outlast Arnaud Merkle 22-20, 21-19 in a hard-fought 55-minute battle. With world No. 9 Lee Zii Jia absent due to an ankle injury, all eyes were on Jun Hao to step up, and he didn’t disappoint, displaying composure beyond his world No. 26 ranking.
With victory already secured at 3-0, Malaysia continued their dominance. Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah powered through in the women’s doubles, crushing Margot Lambert-Camille Pognante 21-13, 21-10, while Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie wrapped up the tie in the mixed doubles with a commanding 21-7, 21-9 win over Grégoire Deschamp-Elsa Jacob.
The emphatic 5-0 result is a major step forward for Malaysia, who are targeting a third consecutive podium finish after winning bronze in Vantaa, Finland (2021) and Suzhou, China (2023).
Full Match Results:
Men’s Doubles: Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin 🇲🇾 def. Mael Cattoen/Lucas Renoir 🇫🇷 21-11, 21-9
Women’s Singles: Goh Jin Wei 🇲🇾 def. Léonice Huet 🇫🇷 21-10, 21-19
Men’s Singles: Leong Jun Hao 🇲🇾 def. Arnaud Merkle 🇫🇷 22-20, 21-19
Women’s Doubles: Tan Pearly/Thinaah Muralitharan 🇲🇾 def. Margot Lambert/Camille Pognante 🇫🇷 21-13, 21-10
Mixed Doubles: Goh Soon Huat/Lai Shevon Jemie 🇲🇾 def. Grégoire Deschamp/Elsa Jacob 🇫🇷 21-7, 21-9
Feeling inspired by Malaysia’s winning spirit?
Join Nova88 today to get in on the action, experience thrilling sports moments, and place your winning bets with the best platform in Malaysia!
Don’t miss out — victory starts with Nova88!
