KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Tired? Yes. Slowing down? Not really.
While several top players skipped the Malaysia Masters 2026, women’s singles top seed from China Chen Yu Fei is still pushing through a packed South-east Asian swing as she continues her search for rhythm rather than rest at the Super 500 tournament in Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, here.
The 2020 edition champion booked her place in the quarter-finals with a 21-16, 21-13 win over India’s Devika Sihag in the second round today, maintaining steady progress despite admitting she is still far from her best.
The world No. 4 who had been competing in back-to-back tournaments since the Uber Cup Finals 2026 in Horsens, Denmark said she is still working her way back to peak form, using match play as her main tool to rebuild consistency.
“I feel that because my overall form isn’t particularly good, I hope to find some competitive rhythm through playing matches.
“There will definitely be some fatigue. But it’s okay. It’s mainly about the mindset,” she told reporters after the match.
Asked on her target this edition, Yu Fei hoped to try her best of bagging a second title at Malaysia Masters.
Yu Fei said she is also prioritising her current campaign here while closely monitoring her physical condition ahead of the Singapore Open 2026, which will run from May 26 until 31.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women’s singles gold medallist claimed her maiden Malaysia Masters title when she triumphed against former Taiwanese ace, Tai Tzu Ying, 21-17, 21-10.
Last week, the 28-year-old emerged as Thailand Open 2026 runners-up as she went down to world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, 21-14, 21-18.
Tomorrow, Yu Fei will face Thai shuttler Pitchamon Opatniputh who stunned seventh seed from Vietnam, Nguyen Thuy Linh, 21-18, 21-10.
The Malaysia Masters 2026, which runs until May 24, carries a total prize pool of US$500,000 (RM1.98 million). — Bernama
