There was laughter before there was relief.

At PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2026 on Wednesday, China’s young mixed pair Zhu Yi Jun and Li Qian survived a dramatic three-game battle against Marvin Seidel and Thuc Phuong Nguyen, winning 21-11 13-21 21-19 to book a second-round showdown with third-seeded compatriots Guo Xin Wa/Chen Fang Hui.

For Zhu and Li, both just 21, the journey is moving fast. Only paired this year, they have already reached the finals of the Thailand and Swiss Opens, rising to world No.43 in a matter of months. In Bangkok last week, they lost the final to experienced Danes Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje.

Yet after their latest victory, neither player sounded fully satisfied.

“The first game should have been relatively straightforward,” Li admitted. “In the end, it was incredibly tense and thrilling.”

Zhu was even harsher on himself.

“As for my overall performance this year, if I were to give it a score, I’d say around 50 to 60 points,” he said. “We played two finals but lost both because we are still a bit too impatient when facing the tactical changes of our opponents.”

Then came Li’s reply, delivered with perfect timing.

“I will give myself 40 points,” she smiled. “That way, we add up to 100.”

The joke captured the spirit of a partnership growing stronger with every tournament – honest enough to recognise flaws, yet confident enough to laugh together through the pressure. China already boast four pairs in the world top 15 but Zhu and Li are showing signs they could eventually join that elite company.

“Our partnership definitely has distinct characteristics,” Li said. “Next step is to address the weaknesses.”

Zhu agreed.

“We will take every session seriously and not slack off as we prepare for tougher challenges.”

And the target?

Simple, ambitious and very much alive.

“We want to break into the top 20 first,” Zhu said. “And then build on that.”

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I’m still shaking. We’ve had almost two months of training, so I was trying to practice everything we’ve been working on. We are chipping away at the Asian wall. America has a lot of good pairs and we are strong contenders on the circuit.” – Jennie Gai encouraged after she and Presley Smith knocked out fifth seeds Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu 21-19 12-21 21-19

“I feel amazing (although) I’m on low battery right now. Physically, it was hard to keep up with her as she’s a top player. I just want to enjoy the tournament and the vibes.” – Goh Jin Wei buzzing after defeating fourth seed Busanan Ongbamrungphan