2026 Thomas Cup: China vs. Malaysia Quarterfinal Schedule
The tension reaches a fever pitch at Forum Horsens as the 2026 Thomas Cup enters the knockout stage. On Court 1, the world’s most successful Thomas Cup nation, China, takes on their long-standing rivals, Malaysia, in a quarterfinal clash that promises to be a tactical masterclass.
China comes into this tie with a terrifyingly deep roster, but Malaysia has a history of rising to the occasion in team events. With a surprising lineup that sees Malaysia’s top star Lee Zii Jia potentially acting as the “closer” in the third singles spot, the strategy behind this tie is set to keep fans on the edge of their seats from the first serve to the final smash.
The action starts at 10:00 AM local time, which translates to a perfect 4:00 PM kickoff for fans in both China and Malaysia.
Match Schedule: China vs. Malaysia
- Date: May 1, 2026
- Venue: Forum Horsens, Court 1
- Stage: Quarterfinals (QF)
| Match | Category | China (CHN) | vs. | Malaysia (MAS) | Local Time (UTC+2) | MY / CN Time (UTC+8) |
| 1 | MS 1 | Shi Yuqi | vs. | Leong Jun Hao | 10:00 AM | 04:00 PM |
| 2 | MD 1 | Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang | vs. | Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik | 10:50 AM* | 04:50 PM* |
| 3 | MS 2 | Li Shifeng | vs. | Justin Hoh | 11:40 AM* | 05:40 PM* |
| 4 | MD 2 | Chen Boyang / Liu Yi | vs. | Goh Sze Fei / Tee Kai Wun | 12:30 PM* | 06:30 PM* |
| 5 | MS 3 | Weng Hongyang | vs. | Lee Zii Jia | 01:20 PM* | 07:20 PM* |
*Estimated start times; matches follow a “Followed By” schedule based on match duration.
Where to Watch: Broadcast & Streaming
Don’t miss a single rally—here is where you can watch the tie live in your region:
- In Malaysia:
- Television: Astro Badminton (CH 814) and Astro Arena.
- Digital/Streaming: Astro GO and the Sooka app.
- In China:
- Television: CCTV-5 (China Central Television).
- Digital/Streaming: Migu Video, Youku, and BesTV.
- Global Access:
- BWF TV: Live streaming is available on the BWF YouTube channel (check for local geo-blocking).
Key Matchups to Watch
- The Heavyweight Doubles (MD1): This is arguably the “match within the match.” The World No. 1 duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang face former World Champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. This match will likely dictate the emotional momentum of the entire tie.
- The Veteran vs. The Underdog (MS1): Shi Yuqi is expected to deliver a point, but Leong Jun Hao is known for his “giant-killing” capabilities in team formats. China cannot afford a slip-up here.
- The MS3 Wildcard: In a massive tactical twist, Lee Zii Jia is listed for the final singles match. If the tie goes to 2-2, seeing one of the world’s most explosive players in a deciding rubber against the clinical Weng Hongyang will be legendary.
Quarterfinal Rule: The first team to reach three points wins. In the knockout phase, once a winner is decided (3-0, 3-1, or 3-2), subsequent matches may be cancelled to prepare the court for the next session.
