KUALA LUMPUR — For decades, the Malaysia Open has been one of badminton’s most prestigious tournaments, but its grandeur feels diminished when the host nation struggles to claim the crown.
Datuk Lee Chong Wei, a 12-time champion of the tournament and one of Malaysia’s most celebrated athletes, hopes to see a local shuttler end the drought soon.
He does not want to be remembered as the last Malaysian to win the event, with his 2018 victory still standing as the nation’s most recent triumph.
The Malaysia Open, now a Super 1000 event, was first held in 1937. For Chong Wei, who has carried the nation’s hopes for so long, seeing new champions emerge is more than a wish—it is a matter of national pride.
“The Malaysia Open is not just one of the oldest international tournaments; it’s also a source of immense national pride,” the 42-year-old, who retired in 2019, told Scoop.
“When a Malaysian steps onto the court, the entire stadium rallies behind them. You won’t find this kind of atmosphere anywhere else.
“It would be wonderful to see a Malaysian crowned men’s singles champion, but at this point, I’m rooting for any Malaysian to win—whether it’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in men’s doubles, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, or even Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in mixed doubles.”
The men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah were the last Malaysians to clinch a title in their category back in 2014.
The last time Malaysia’s mixed doubles team won the tournament was in 1965, by Teh Kew San and Ng Mei Ling.
For women’s singles, it was Datuk Rosalind Singah Ang, who triumphed in 1965 and also went on to win the women’s doubles title with partner Teoh Siew Yong.
While a homegrown champion remains every Malaysian fan’s dream, Chong Wei acknowledged the challenge, particularly in the men’s singles category.
The withdrawal of world number 10 and Olympic bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia has left Malaysia’s hopes resting on younger talents like Leong Jun Hao.
“Zii Jia was one of our best hopes for a title, but with his withdrawal, it’s a tall order. That said, I hope Leong Jun Hao can step up.
“As I’ve said before, I’m not just hoping for a men’s singles champion but for any Malaysian victory.”
Zii Jia announced his absence through his management team, citing an ankle ligament injury sustained at the World Tour Finals last month.
His recovery leaves Malaysia without its top contender in a tournament featuring nearly all the world’s best, save for Zii Jia himself.
Last year, Denmark’s Anders Antonsen was in red-hot form, clinching his maiden Super 1000 title at the Axiata Arena after defeating China’s Shi Yu Qi in the final.
The competition will take place from January 7-12. — January 5, 2025