Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu are through to their first Super 500 quarterfinal.

That it comes two months before the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, to which they have qualified, is in Yu’s own words, “a massive boost”.

Together since the Race to Paris started, the Australians had previously only reached the last eight stage at the Super 300 level – Syed Modi India International 2023 in December and the Swiss Open in March. They went on to the semis at both.

“Very happy all the hard work we put in this year has taken us here,” said Yu after their 21-8 21-11 win over home pair Go Pei Kee/Low Yeen Yuan at PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2024. “It’s a massive boost knowing we can compete and win at this level, so close to Paris. There’s still a lot to work on but it’s fantastic we can get into a Super 500 quarterfinal.”

Mapasa, headed to her second Olympics after partnering Gronya Somerville at Tokyo 2020, concurred.

“We are pretty happy with our current level but we can be better,” said the 28-year-old, who with Somerville, shocked the higher-ranked Maiken Fruergaard/Sara Thygesen in their group match in Japan three years ago.

“We want to play our best and compete with the top players and see where it takes us. I’m just excited to play my second Olympics, this time with Angela.”

The Oceania champions got a taste of the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, venue for badminton and Para badminton at Paris 2024, during their run to the French Open second round in March.

“It would be nice to play there again,” said Yu, 21. “It’s a dream-come-true. Super happy to represent our country at the world’s biggest multi-sport event.”

Mapasa and Yu will have their work cut out in the quarters, facing local favourites and second seeds Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan at the Axiata Arena tomorrow. It’s the pairs’ first ever meeting.

→ Results (Day 3)

→ Order of play (Quarterfinals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“When I found out I was playing Viktor (Axelsen) I was so excited. I knew I had to play every shot with courage. It was a great experience. After the match, he gave me his shirt and I’m very grateful. He’s cool.” – Upcoming Thai shuttler Panitchapon Teeraratsakul

“Teeraratsukal is a talented player with a strong attack. I’m confident he can go on to accomplish great things. I’m hoping he can wait a few more years before he gets way too good to beat me (laughs).” – Axelsen returning the compliment

“After the Olympic qualification window closed, the pressure was off. There’s no more running after other pairs, we are enjoying being on court.” – Stefani Stoeva on making the first quarterfinal above the Super 300 level since last year’s India Open

“I have personal targets and I feel like I’m moving ever closer to the level I want to be at. My goal is to end the year in the top 30.” – Jason Gunawan after ousting 2022 winner Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo