Japan the biggest threat for Malaysia in Thomas Cup finals’ group stage

 The national men’s team will also have to contend with England and Finland.

World No 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are among Malaysia’s biggest stars in the doubles category. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Malaysia has been handed a favourable draw in the 2026 Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals, with Japan shaping up as its main rival in the race to reach the knockout stages.

The finals will be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.

Based on the group stage draw held at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) headquarters today, the national men’s team, pitted in Group B, will also have to contend with England and Finland.

2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships winner Japan is set to pose a serious threat to Malaysia, as they boast a balanced squad.

In singles, Japan can rely on the likes of Kodai Naraoka (world No 9), Yushi Tanaka (world No 19) and Koki Watanabe (world No 21).

Although Naraoka has struggled so far this season, Japan can still bank on Tanaka and Watanabe, the two standout performers who helped them clinch their maiden Asian team title.

Tanaka is also fresh off a victory at the Swiss Open 2026, while Watanabe distinguished himself as the only Japanese shuttler to reach the quarter-finals of the All England 2026 in Birmingham.

Malaysia, on the other hand, are a little lightweight in the singles category, as the likely candidates – Leong Jun Hao (world No 23), Justin Hoh (world No 38) and professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia (world No 86) – have all endured an underwhelming season thus far.

But what Malaysia lack in singles, they more than make up for in the doubles, boasting three pairs in the world’s top 10 – 2022 world champions and world No 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No 6 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and world No 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.

This is in stark contrast to Japan, whose primary threat remains 2021 world champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi (world No 8). Their other two pairs are likely to be Hidori Midorikawa-Kyohei Yamashita (world No 19) and Kakeru Kumagai-Hiroki Nishi (world No 27).

The national women’s squad, who have been drawn into Group B in the Uber Cup finals alongside six-time champions Japan, Turkey and South Africa stand a strong chance of marching into the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, provided they secure decisive wins against Turkey and South Africa.

Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup in 1992, while the national women’s team have yet to win the Uber Cup. - FMT