KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — Newly formed national men’s doubles pairing of Man Wei Chong-Soh Wooi Yik were eliminated in the first round of the Japan Open 2026 yesterday after losing to world No. 18 Taiwanese duo Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen.
At the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the pair, who were partnered for the first time by head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, went down 23-21, 17-21, 16-21 to the Taiwanese.
Wei Chong-Wooi Yik made a strong start by taking the opening set, but were unable to maintain their momentum, losing the next two.
Meanwhile, professional men’s doubles pair Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong suffered a similar outcome after being knocked out in the first round by home favourites Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, losing 17-21, 14-21.
Earlier yesterday, national mixed doubles pairs Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie advanced to the second round after defeating their respective opponents. — Bernama
