Cheam Jun Wei crashes out in first round of HYLO Open as Lee Zii Jia carries Malaysia’s singles hopes

Jun Wei appeared to find his footing in the second set, keeping pace with his opponent until the score was tied at 4-4, however, he ultimately lost 17-21, handing the victory to Kiran. — Bernama file pic

First Published: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 10:35 AM MYT

Last Modified: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 10:38 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — National men’s singles player Cheam Jun Wei made an early exit after being eliminated in the first round of the HYLO Open 2026 badminton tournament in Saarbrücken, Germany, today.

In the match held at Saarlandhalle, the world No. 57 got off to a shaky start in the first set, falling easily to his Indian opponent, Kiran George, 18-21.

Jun Wei appeared to find his footing in the second set, keeping pace with his opponent until the score was tied at 4-4, however, he ultimately lost 17-21, handing the victory to Kiran.

In the men’s singles category, Malaysia’s hopes now rest on professional player Lee Zii Jia, who advanced to the second round after defeating Singapore’s Jason Teh 21-16, 19-21, 21-17 in the first round yesterday.

Zii Jia is set to face Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line. — Bernama