Thailand Masters: Tricky Draw for Defending Champ
Jia Heng Jason Teh returns to the site of a memorable triumph, seeking to defend his title at the PRINCESS SIRIVANNAVARI Thailand Masters 2026.
· BWF STAFF
The Thailand Masters win a year ago was Teh’s first HSBC BWF World Tour title, and the Singaporean would go on to add a second title later in the year, eventually finishing the season ranked No.22.
Following the withdrawal of his higher-ranked compatriot Loh Kean Yew, Teh takes his place at the top of the draw, with a stiff opening test in the form of Jason Gunawan, who too had a breakthrough season last year. The Hong Kong China player won his first HSBC BWF World Tour title at the Syed Modi India International last November, and he could prove to be a tricky first round opponent for Teh. The only time they met, at the Macau Open 2024, was a close outcome for Teh.
If he survives the first round, a possible second round encounter with last week’s DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2026 runner-up Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul looms.