Kuala Lumpur, May 20, 2025 – India kicked off its campaign at the Malaysia Masters 2025 with a spirited performance at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. While Day 1 brought a mixed bag of results, former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth delivered a standout performance in the men’s singles qualifiers, keeping India’s hopes alive as the main draw action looms.
Srikanth Shines in Men’s Singles Qualifiers
Making a determined bid to return to top-tier form, Kidambi Srikanth was clinical on Day 1, securing two crucial wins to enter the main draw.
In his opening match, Srikanth, ranked 65th in the world, showed his class by outplaying Chinese Taipei’s Kuo Kuan-lin 21-8, 21-13 in just 29 minutes. He followed it up with a hard-fought three-game win over Huang Yu Kai, also of Chinese Taipei. After dropping the first game 9-21, Srikanth found his rhythm and came back strong to clinch the match 9-21, 21-12, 21-16.
His form and fitness will be closely watched as he enters the main draw, looking to go deep in the tournament.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t a successful outing for the rest of the Indian men’s singles players in qualifying. Tharun Mannepalli put up a fight but lost 21-13, 23-21 to Thailand’s Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul, while Sankar Subramanian came agonizingly close but was edged out 22-20, 22-20 by China’s Xuan Chen Zhu.
Women’s Singles & Doubles: Tough Start, but Some Bright Spots
India’s challenge in the women’s singles qualifiers was short-lived as teenager Anmol Kharb fell in straight games, 21-14, 21-18, to Hung Yi-Ting of Chinese Taipei.
In the women’s doubles, two pairs made early exits:
- Kavipriya Selvam / Simran Singhi lost 21-14, 21-18 to the 8th-seeded Taiwanese pair Lin Jhih-Yun / Hsu Yin-Hui.
- Rashmi Ganesh / Sania Sikkandar were beaten 21-10, 21-12 by Thailand’s Phatcharaphisutsin / Sukklad.
However, there was a silver lining as Prerana Alvekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande advanced to the second round with a solid 21-19, 19-21, 21-13 win over fellow Indians Vaishnavi Khadkekar and Alisha Khan in a tight all-Indian contest.
Men’s & Mixed Doubles: Early Exits Across the Board
In men’s doubles, both Indian pairs exited in the first round:
- Hariharan Amsakarunan / Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi lost 21-13, 21-18 to Chen Zhi-Ray / Lin Yu-Chieh of Chinese Taipei.
- Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy / Sai Pratheek K were defeated 21-15, 23-21 by Malaysian fifth seeds Man Wei Chong / Tee Kai Wun.
The mixed doubles qualifiers also ended in disappointment as Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan went down 21-15, 21-16 to Malaysia’s Ming Yap Too / Yu Shan Lee.
Up Next: Sindhu and Prannoy Set to Take the Stage
Day 2 promises high-octane action at the Malaysia Masters 2025, as India’s top stars step into the spotlight. PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medalist, and HS Prannoy, a world championships bronze medallist, are set to begin their campaigns in the main draw.
Day 1 Summary at Malaysia Masters 2025
Day 1 Malaysia Masters 2025 results for the Indian contingent fixtures are summarized in the below table.
| Category | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Singles | 1 | 2 |
| Women’s Singles | 0 | 1 |
| Men’s Doubles | 0 | 2 |
| Women’s Doubles | 1 | 2 |
| Mixed Doubles | 0 | 1 |
Stay tuned for daily updates from Kuala Lumpur as Team India battles on at the Malaysia Masters 2025. Follow us at Racket Deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can i watch the live action for Malaysia Masters Badminton 2025?
Fans in India can catch live streaming of the Malaysia Masters Badminton tournament matches on the BWF TV YouTube channel: BWF TV channel.
At what time does the live coverage start on Day 2?
Live action for Malaysia Masters 2025 Day 2 starts at 7:30 am IST.
