Team Malaysia at the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Team Malaysia is gearing up for one of its most potent assaults on the season-ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, set to take place in Hangzhou, China, from December 17 to 21. With five elite doubles teams securing their berths, the Malaysian contingent will be represented by ten players battling for the US$3 million prize fund—a strong signal of the nation’s rising stature in the partnership disciplines.
Significantly, the Women’s Doubles pair of Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan has achieved the coveted status of first seeds, marking a historic milestone for Malaysian women’s badminton.
Singles Drought Overshadowed by Doubles Power
While the nation laments the absence of Malaysian representation in the highly anticipated Men’s and Women’s Singles categories—confirming the continued rebuilding phase in those events—the sheer force in the doubles means Malaysia will be fiercely competitive across the remaining three events. The five qualified teams are:
- Men’s Doubles (MD): Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, and Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun
- Women’s Doubles (WD): Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan
- Mixed Doubles (XD): Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei, and Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai
Pearly-Thinaah Lead the Charge as Top Seeds
All eyes will be on Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, who claimed the No. 1 seeding following an incredibly consistent and successful season on the World Tour. This achievement is a testament to their resilience, aggressive play, and remarkable chemistry, which saw them clinching titles at Super 500 events like the Thailand Open and the Arctic Open.
Their journey to the top seed position showcases a maturity in their game, having overcome key rivals and navigated the pressures of the grueling World Tour calendar. As the top seeds, they face immense pressure, but also hold the psychological edge going into the group stage draw, where they will avoid the other top seed. Their status makes them genuine contenders for the WD title and a key hope for Malaysian fans.
Men’s Doubles Battle: A Double Threat
Malaysia’s presence in the Men’s Doubles is equally formidable, with two pairs qualifying.
- Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the World Champions from 2022, continue to be Malaysia’s most dependable pair. Known for their powerful defense and strategic court coverage, they earned their spot through consistent Super 750 and Super 500 performances throughout the season, including a Super 750 title at the Singapore Open. They are expected to be among the seeded pairs, looking to finally convert their consistent semi-final and runner-up finishes on the World Tour into the ultimate season-ending trophy.
- Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun join their compatriots after a breakthrough season. The pair secured titles at the Indonesia Masters and the Malaysia Masters, highlighting their readiness to compete at the highest level. National doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has praised their progression, noting that their qualification for the Finals is a “significant progress” and a clear sign that Malaysia’s Men’s Doubles unit is enjoying a period of deep strength. Their inclusion ensures that Malaysia presents a two-pronged threat in the draw.
Mixed Doubles Veterans and Rising Stars
The Mixed Doubles competition sees a fascinating blend of veteran experience and youthful exuberance.
- The experienced independent pair of Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai has secured one of the exclusive spots, relying on their years of partnership and tactical savvy to navigate the challenging “Race to Finals.” Their presence guarantees a tough challenge for any opponent.
- The rising stars, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, have also qualified, having demonstrated rapid improvement and winning performances throughout 2025. Their aggressive, fast-paced game is difficult for rivals to handle, and they represent the next generation of Malaysian mixed doubles talent.
With three doubles categories filled, and their Women’s Doubles pair leading the seeding charts, Team Malaysia arrives in Hangzhou with high expectations. The sheer volume of qualifiers across these three events indicates that the $3 million prize money is well within reach, potentially leading to a historic haul for the Jalur Gemilang.
The group stage draw on December 13 will be critical in determining the path for these ten players as they look to conclude their brilliant 2025 season on the top step of the podium.
