NAGOYA — An all-out effort by scratch pair Cheng Su Yin-Low Zi Yu was not enough to keep Malaysia’s campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games alive, as the country bowed out after a 1-3 defeat to powerhouse South Korea in the women’s team quarter-finals at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium today.

Tasked with keeping Malaysia’s medal hopes alive with the team trailing 1-2, the fearless young duo pushed Jeong Na Eun-Kim Hye Jeong all the way before narrowly losing 21-18, 11-21, 22-24 in a heart-stopping second doubles match.

Malaysia got off to a rough start when K. Letshanaa was thrashed by reigning Olympic champion and world number one An Se-young 21-12, 21-8 in the opening match.

Malaysia, however, hit back in style in the first doubles when world number five Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah produced a sensational display to stun world number two Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee.

The top national pair held their nerve in crucial moments, winning a tight opening game 22-20 before maintaining their momentum to close out the second 21-17, levelling the overall score 1-1.

South Korea regained the lead in the second singles when Kim Gaeun proved too steady for Wong Ling Ching, wrapping up a 21-12, 21-18 victory.

The defeat means Malaysia’s wait for a medal in the women’s team event continues, as their last medal was at the 1962 Jakarta Games where they clinched silver.