Following the excitement of last week’s TOYOTA Thailand Open, badminton fans can expect another week of top-tier action as the 2025 PERODUA Malaysia Masters gets underway. With new names entering the draw and a strong European lineup, the tournament promises thrilling matches across all categories.
The buzz from Thailand still lingers, especially after Denmark’s Boe/Kjær made a stunning run to the final, and Anders Antonsen pushed World Champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn to the limit. Now, both are set to compete in Malaysia, where the stakes are just as high.
Boe/Kjær return to the court, this time starting in the qualification rounds—highlighting how remarkable their performance in Thailand was. Antonsen, seeded first in this tournament, hopes to build on his recent momentum. He continues his partnership with legendary Danish coach Jan Ø. Jørgensen, making this his second tournament under Jørgensen’s guidance.
Another exciting storyline is the return of France’s Popov brothers, Christo and Toma, who are playing their first international event since becoming European men’s doubles champions. Both will also compete in singles. A potential second-round clash between Christo and Antonsen could be a major highlight, marking just their second career meeting. Meanwhile, Toma Popov faces a tough opening match against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.
Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen adds to the European excitement. He enters the tournament in strong form, having just beaten India’s Lakshya Sen last week.
In women’s singles, Denmark is well-represented with Line Christophersen and Line Kjærsfeldt. Both players face opponents coming from the qualification rounds, which could give the Danes an edge in freshness and experience.
European talent is also strong in mixed doubles. Fifth-seeded Danes Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund make their return to international competition outside of the Sudirman Cup. They’re joined by Italy’s Palermo/Maio and Denmark’s Vestergaard/Busch, completing a solid European trio in the draw.
Men’s doubles is perhaps Europe’s strongest field in the tournament. World number one pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen headline the category. They are joined by the Popov brothers, Boe/Kjær, seventh seeds Kjær/Søgaard, Lundgaard/Vestergaard, and European silver medallists Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi of France.
With elite European players competing in nearly every category, fans from across the continent have plenty to cheer for at the 2025 Malaysia Masters.
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