Aaron-Wooi Yik, ranked world No 2, saved three match points in the second game, having lost the first, but the younger South Koreans prevailed after a 83-minute battle.

The defending champions eventually lost 19-21, 28-26, 13-21 to Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju, who are ranked 20 places below them.

The title drought for two-time Olympic bronze medallists Aaron-Wooi Yik in 2026 continues after six Badminton World Federation (BWF) championships held to date.

Their best performances came at the All England in March, when they finished runners-up, and at the Malaysia Open in January, when they were also beaten in the final.

Earlier, Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, and world mixed doubles champions, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, lost their quarter-final ties in straight games.

The other Malaysian players lost their matches in the first or second round.

Badminton fans will be looking forward to a better showing by the Malaysian shuttlers in the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals, to be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.