Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar Panas Cup: Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar, Malaysia’s top-rated women’s player, faced tough competition at the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 in Shah Alam from September 25–28. Competing in Women’s Doubles with Japan’s Mayu Ito and Mixed Doubles with Willy Chung, Azhar was eliminated early, unable to reach the quarterfinals.
Facing the World’s Best
Azhar and Ito lost 11-0, 11-1 to Roos Van Reek and Anna Bright in Women’s Doubles. In Mixed Doubles, Azhar and Willy Chung fell 11-2, 11-2 to Danni-Elle Townsend and Eric Oncins. Azhar acknowledged the challenge:
“I felt nervous because it was Anna Bright. Everyone knows her, and she’s in the world’s top five, but it was an honour to play against her and Roos.”
The Malaysian player said,
“I felt good, but the way they play is very different from what I’ve experienced before. I’ve never faced someone at such a high level. I just had fun.
We know the level is big, it’s different, especially because in Asia we are only just starting out. To play against her is something special.”
Early Losses, Valuable Lessons
Asian pickleball is still developing compared to the US, and Azhar only started playing in December 2023. Despite early losses, she gained valuable experience competing against world-class players on home soil.
“Even though the score looked one-sided, we had some good rallies and some good shots. If it was before, I don’t think I could have managed that,” (Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar).
Reflecting on her journey, she added,
“I played a few tournaments and won. Then in May last year I competed in an international event in Vietnam and won the intermediate category. That was when I realised I could go further, because with my tennis background, it was easier to adapt. After that, it all just took off. Now I’m the highest DUPR (women) in Malaysia.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks at the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025, Azhar has shown steady progress in less than two years of playing. She will next compete at the MB Vietnam Cup in Da Nang from September 30 to October 4, 2025, aiming to test her skills further against top Asian and international players.
News in Brief: Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar Panas Cup
Malaysian pickler Athilla Miasara Azizul Azhar faced early exits at the Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 in Women’s and Mixed Doubles. Playing alongside Mayu Ito and Willy Chung, she gained experience against top players like Anna Bright and Danni-Elle Townsend. Azhar will next compete at the MB Vietnam Cup in Da Nang.
ALSO READ: Star Athletes, Exclusive Access: MBBank Unveils PPA Tour Asia MB Vietnam Cup 2025 in Da Nang