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This Spotlight is sponsored by PETRONAS.
Fewer things are more synonymous with being Malaysian than the love for badminton, the sport many of us grew up with
From watching our very own badminton icon, Lee Chong Wei, battle it out on the world stage, to entire families crowding around the TV during big tournament nights, badminton has always been part of our core memory.
And, for most of us, it's a sport that we still love to this day. While we can go on talking about the legends, there's no shortage of players that you should be keeping an eye on right now.
With the PETRONAS Malaysian Open 2026 happening from 6 to 11 January, here are some players entering the tournament with a point to prove:
For Malaysian badminton fans, hometown heroes remain the top players to watch at every tournament
One of the local favourites are the men's doubles players, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. Known for their physical style and solid defence, the duo has been competing at the top level for several years now.
When they click, they're capable of producing exciting matches and put pressure on even the most established pairs. Heading into 2026, many fans are keen to see how they are continuing to refine their game.
In women's doubles, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan continue to be a pair Malaysian fans rally behind. Their speed, sharp net play, and on-court chemistry have made them one of the country's most beloved pair, with plenty of positive tournament results in 2025. This year, their goal is to use that momentum to carry them to the top of the world rankings.
Meanwhile, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee-Wei have been making headlines in mixed doubles. The pair were crowned mixed doubles champions at last year's World Championships, a result that firmly put them on the radar.
Known for their aggressive style and fast-paced exchanges, they've shown that they're not afraid to take on higher-ranked opponents. Their recent performances have sparked plenty of discussion among fans as one of the more exciting Malaysian pairs to watch heading into 2026.
But that's not all, players from other parts of the world are also worth a watch
On the women's singles side, South Korea's An Se-young has made a strong impression. After a dominant 2025 season that saw her claim multiple titles and cement her position as world number one, fans are already wondering how much higher she can go.
At just 23, her speed, defensive strength, and consistency have led many to describe her as a generational talent, and possibly even the GOAT (greatest of all time) female singles player.
Meanwhile, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn has earned admiration as well. Often nicknamed the Thai Metronome, he's known for his control, deception, and ability to make even the world's best players look uncomfortable.
Once recognised mainly for his defensive skills, he has evolved into a tactical mastermind, and fans expect 2026 to be a key year as he continues pushing towards the very top of the men's singles rankings.
Wanna see them up close and live? The PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026 is your moment!
Bringing together our local favourites and international talent, the tournament is set to be held from 6 January to 11 January at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Fans can also drop by the PETRONAS Pavilion at Axiata Arena, the PETRONAS booth set up within the venue.
Best of all, it's free to visit the PETRONAS Pavilion, making it an easy stop for anyone who wants to soak in the excitement, snap photos, and be part of the overall tournament buzz!
So, whatchu waiting for? Head on over to the PETRONAS Pavilion from 6 to 11 January and feel the energy of PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026!
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