BAJC 2026: Malaysia Edge Rivals Indonesia 2-1, Emerge As Group D Champions

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s young shuttlers capped off their Group D campaign at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships (BAJC) 2026 team event as champions after edging arch rivals Indonesia 2-1 in Yatsushiro City, Japan, today.

The national squad won the rubber set of their last group fixture 55-51, 49-55, 55-48, using a new relay scoring format in the tournament held in Yatsushiro City General Gymnasium.

In the first set, the boys’ doubles pair, Damien Ling-Muhammad Shazmir Irfan got the ball rolling for Malaysia as they saw off Muhammad Rizki Mubarrok-Raihan Daffa Edsel Pramono, 11-10, before girls’ doubles Genevie Lim-Low Zi Yu made it 22-15 as they prevailed against Selsi Josika-Aurelia Syakira Putri.

Carine Tee then defeated Mayla Cahya Afilian Pratiwi in girls’ singles to extend Malaysia's lead to 33-27, while Ahmad Redzuan, who teamed up with Zi Yu in mixed doubles, brushed aside the challenge from Raihan Daffa-Atresia Naufa Candani to widen the gap 44-36 before boys’ singles Kong Wei Xiang won against Radhita Bayu Wardana to seal the opening set 55-51.

In the second set, boys’ doubles Muhammad Shazmir-Ahmad Redzuan gave Malaysia a flying start as they won against Muhammad Rizki-Raihan Daffa 11-9 and extended the lead when Genevie-Zi Yu won against Halifia Usni Pratiwi-Aurelia Syakira Putri in girls’ doubles 22-18.

However, Mayla Cahya inspired Indonesia’s comeback as she triumphed against Carine to put Indonesia ahead for the first time with a score of 33-31 before Raihan Daffa-Atresia increased their advantage in mixed doubles against Ahmad Redzuan-Zi Yu 44-42 while Fardhan Rainanda Joe managed to force a rubber after winning the tie against Wei Xiang in the boys’ singles for a score of 55-49.

In the deciding set, Malaysia drew first blood when Damien Ling-Muhammad Shazmir trounced Muhammad Rizki-Raihan Daffa 11-9 while girls’ doubles Genevie-Zi Yu increased the advantage to 22-17 against Halifia Usni-Aurelia Syakira before Carine edged further ahead for the national squad with a score of 33-32 after she overcame Mayla Cahya in girls’ singles.

In the mixed doubles, Ahmad Redzuan-Zi Yu emerged victorious against Raihan Daffa-Atresia Naufa to tighten Malaysia’s grip 44-40 before boys’ singles Wei Xiang rose to the occasion against Fardhan to ensure Malaysia progress to the last eight as group champions with a 55-48 victory.

On Friday, Malaysia opened their campaign by defeating Macau 55-16, 55-31 and continued their fine momentum when they won against South Korea 55-32, 55-28.

The competition is being played using a new relay scoring format, with each tie decided over the best of three 55-point sets.

Each set consists of one match in all five disciplines, with the cumulative score carried forward from one match to the next until either side reaches 55 points.

The BAJC 2026 team event will be held until June 30.

-- BERNAMA