A strong European showing lit up the round of 16 at the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2026 on Thursday, with several players and pairs advancing to the quarterfinals in Kuala Lumpur.

France enjoyed a particularly impressive day in men’s singles, as both Toma Junior Popov and Christo Popov booked their places in the last eight. Toma came through a tough three-game battle against China’s Zhu Xuan Chen, winning 23-21 14-21 21-11, while Christo delivered a confident performance to defeat Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-17 21-14.

There was disappointment, however, for fellow Frenchman Alex Lanier, who fell narrowly to China’s Hu Zhe An in three games. It marked another close encounter between the two, after Hu also defeated Lanier at the World Junior Championships semifinals back in 2023.

Denmark also celebrated a productive day in Malaysia. Line Kjærsfeldt and Line Christophersen both advanced in women’s singles, overcoming Malvika Bansod and Huang Ching Ping respectively.

In mixed doubles, last week’s Thailand Open champions Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Bøje continued their strong form with a three-game victory over Indonesia’s Adnan Maulana/Indah Cahya Sari Jamil.

There was more Danish success in men’s doubles, where Daniel Lundgaard/Mads Vestergaard fought past China’s Huang Di/Liu Yang in three games to secure a quarterfinal spot.

Friday’s quarterfinals now promise several exciting European storylines. Christophersen will take on Intanon in women’s singles, while Toma Popov faces another blockbuster challenge against China’s Li Shi Feng. In men’s doubles, Lundgaard/Vestergaard will meet Japanese second seeds Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi.

For the full order of play, visit BWF World Tour – Malaysia Masters 2026 results and schedule