The world No.2 pair swept aside Indonesia’s Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani 21-11, 21-10 in just 34 minutes, producing one of their most assured displays of the tournament. The emphatic win avenged their previous defeat to the Indonesian pair and sent Aaron/Soh into the semifinals, keeping alive Malaysia’s hopes of a first men’s doubles finalist at the Malaysia Open in 12 years, since Goh V Shem–Lim Khim Wah lifted the title in 2014.

The Malaysians were clinical from the outset, controlling the front court, maintaining sharp service pressure, and denying their opponents any sustained rhythm. “I’m really happy with our performance today, especially after losing to them previously,” said Aaron. “But we need to take it step by step. Tomorrow will be another tough challenge, and we have to stay focused and fight until the end.”

Soh echoed the sentiment, emphasising discipline and continuity. “We just wanted to keep going with the momentum and remain focused. That was the key today,” he said.
Aaron/Soh now face another formidable Indonesian challenge in the semifinals, taking on world No.8 Fajar Alfian–Muhammad Shohibul Fikri for a place in Saturday’s final, a matchup that promises explosive action.

Earlier, Malaysia’s other men’s doubles hopes ended when Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun were outplayed by reigning world champions and top seeds Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae of Korea, losing 21-17, 21-14. Despite moments of resistance, the Malaysians were unable to break the Koreans’ defensive structure and tempo control.

“They slowed the game down and pushed us deeper into the back court. We also made our own mistakes,” said Man Wei Chong, reflecting on the defeat.

Malaysia’s challenge in mixed doubles also came to an end as world champions Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei bowed out. The fourth seeds were edged out 21-17, 17-21, 21-10 by Hong Kong China’s Asian champions Tang Chun Man–Tse Ying Suet in a physically demanding encounter.

Tang Jie acknowledged the missed opportunities in the deciding game. “We tried our best, but we couldn’t control the attack in the third game. That caused us to fall behind early, and it became difficult to recover,” he said.