Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei Cruise into Last 16 of 2026 Badminton Asia Championships

Malaysia’s world No. 4 mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, have secured their place in the second round of the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, following a composed straight-games victory.

Competing at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center, Chen and Toh defeated Japan’s Haruki Kawabe and Kokona Ishikawa 21-10, 21-19. The match began with a dominant opening frame where the Malaysians dictated the pace, though the second game proved more competitive. Chen and Toh managed to maintain their composure during the closing stages of the second set to avoid a deciding third game.

A Favorable Shift in the Draw

While the victory on court was decisive, the path forward for Chen and Toh has grow significantly clearer due to off-court developments. A last-minute withdrawal by one of the tournament favorites, China’s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, has reshuffled the brackets in favor of the Malaysian duo.

Jiang and Wei, the second seeds and 2023 champions, were forced to withdraw with Wei reportedly nursing an injury. Originally, Chen and Toh were scheduled to face Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi. though, following the reshuffle, they took the place of the withdrawn Chinese pair.

This change is a major strategic relief for the world No. 4 pair. They now avoid a likely semi-final clash with Jiang and Wei and a potential quarter-final encounter with the defending champions from Hong Kong, Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet.

Strong National Showing for Malaysia

The success in Ningbo extends beyond Chen and Toh, as Malaysia saw several other mixed doubles pairs advance through the opening round.

World No. 11 and eighth seeds Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie delivered a controlled performance to defeat India’s Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde 21-13, 21-19. The experienced pair now looks toward a second-round match against either Bangladesh’s Jumar Al-Amin and Urmi Akter or Taiwan’s Chen Cheng-kuan and Hsu Yin-hui.

the independent pair of Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien, ranked world No. 34, progressed after a efficient 31-minute victory. They defeated India’s Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh 21-16, 21-15. Their next challenge will be more demanding, as they face either China’s Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui or Taiwan’s Wu Guan Xun and Lee Chia Hsin.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Quarterfinals

Following their first-round win, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei have earned a day off to recover and prepare. This break comes at an opportune time as they eye a podium finish in the championships.

When they return to the court, they will face either Thailand’s Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard or India’s Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto to determine who advances to the quarterfinals.

The Malaysian contingent remains a strong contender in the mixed doubles draw, buoyed by high seedings and a favorable reshuffle of the tournament brackets.

Next Checkpoint: Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei will compete in the second round following a scheduled day of rest. Stay tuned for updates on their match against the winner of the Thailand vs. India pairing.