The semi-finals presented a daunting test for all five Malaysian representatives in their pursuit of a place in the final, with only one men’s doubles pair advancing to the title showdown.

In the mixed doubles, Lau Yi Sheng-Yap Rui Chen fell short of reaching the final after a tough three-game defeat to Japan’s Kota Ogawa-Misaki Kurashima (21-12, 14-21, 14-21).

Their last appearance in a final came at the Nepal International Challenge 2024, where they went on to clinch the title.

Lim Ming Hong-Stella Pan were unable to complete their mixed doubles clash against Thailand’s Thanadol Yunmongkol-Nattamon Laisuan, retiring during the second game while trailing 10-21, 7-11.

Fifth seeds Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean fought their way into the final after overcoming fellow BAM teammates Goh Boon Zhe-M. Fazriq Mohamad Razif in a gritty three-game battle (21-11, 20-22, 21-19).

Despite dropping the second game, Hon Jian-Vin Sean held their composure to narrowly clinch the decider.

“I think we were a bit impatient and rushed our game in the second set. That is something we need to work on, especially for tomorrow’s match,” said Hon Jian, who admitted feeling the strain after being taken to a deciding game.

He also expressed his desire to claim the title on home soil while stressing the importance of staying grounded and focusing on their performance.

“I hope to become champion, especially since Malaysia is hosting this tournament, but we cannot get too carried away. We just need to focus on improving our game,” he added.

Another men’s doubles clash saw Boon Xin Yuan-Lwi Sheng Hao miss out on an all-Malaysian final after bowing out to Japan’s seventh seeds Naoya Kawashima-Kota Ogawa (18-21, 16-21).

Hon Jian-Vin Sean will now face the Japanese pair in tomorrow’s final as they bid to capture the title on home soil.