The Malaysia Open's top 5 moments [WATCH]

1. The Kunlavut Vitidsarn–Lee Chong Wei connection

Former world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn's missing link was a Super 1000 title, and a pep talk by his "mentor" Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei during a meal in Kuala Lumpur just before the Malaysia Open was what he needed. Chong Wei, a 12-time Malaysia Open winner. advised the Thai hotshot to attack to pressure his opponents, and that was exactly what Kunlavut did. It was a perfect ending as Kunlavut received his winner medal from Chong Wei himself at Axiata Arena.

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2. Prime Minister joins Malaysian fans to cheer Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik

Men's pair Aaron–Wooi Yik's attempt to end the nation's wait for a Malaysia Open crown was not only bolstered by partisan fans but also by the special appearance of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Axiata Arena on Sunday. The prime minister's arrival was timely as Aaron–Wooi Yik were mounting a comeback in the second game, and they were just unlucky to lose to Koreans Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae by a whisker. Anwar offered consolation to Aaron–Wooi Yik at the medal presentation ceremony.

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3. Former Indian badminton poster girl P. V. Sindhu's revival at Axiata Arena

Marriage and injuries have not deterred former world champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist P. V. Sindhu from making a strong return, reaching the semi-finals at the Malaysia Open. It was her first competitive outing since the China Masters in September last year. Sindhu, who married Hyderabad-based businessman Venkata Datta Sai in December 2024, said her husband and parents' support has kept her going. The Malaysia Open result will also keep Indian badminton buzzing as she is expected to push for gold at the Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya and World Championships at home in New Delhi.

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4. South Korean 'Terminators' An Se Young, Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae dominant again

Women's singles queen An Se Young continued where she left off last year, capturing the season-opening Malaysia Open title, which was also her hat-trick at the tournament. Won Ho–Seung Jae, who won 11 international titles last season — a new record in men's doubles — crushed local hearts by beating fan favourites Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik.

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5. Chong Wei's former coach Tey Seu Bock back to guide top shuttlers

Seu Bock was a familiar figure guiding Lee Chong Wei during his dominant years at the Malaysia Open, assisting either Misbun Sidek, Rashid Sidek or Hendrawan. It was heartening to see Seu Bock guiding national No. 1 Leong Jun Hao last week after he was promoted from junior coach to handle the senior side again. Chong Wei said the national coaching director Kenneth Jonassen–Seu Bock combination has potential to revive the Malaysian singles department.