Longest Badminton Rally in Competition
Badminton isn’t only about hitting the shuttlecock at insane speeds or executing super quick reflex shots, the real magic sometimes lies in the lengthy rallies. In professional matches, a rally, which is the duration the shuttlecock is in play, typically lasts about ten seconds, but some can extend much longer, evolving into fierce contests of endurance, concentration, and clever strategies. These thrilling exchanges, ranging from Guinness World Record achievements to memorable tournament clashes, demonstrate that badminton involves as much mental resilience and planning as it does sheer athletic ability. They challenge players to their utmost, energize the audience, and highlight that stamina can be just as thrilling as sheer velocity.
Image source: Frame grab from x.com/bwfmedia(“MalaysiaMasters2023 Highlights,” © bwf)
The Historic Longest Rally in Competition
On May 25, 2023, during the Malaysia Masters, Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan made history in badminton by achieving a 211-shot rally that lasted over three minutes, marking the longest rally ever recorded in competitive play. This incredible exchange took place in the deciding game of their Round of 16 match against Japan’s Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto, with the Malaysians ahead 16–14. Both teams were exhausted, but Tan clinched the point with a clever drop shot that Sakuramoto couldn’t return. This rally broke the previous unofficial record of 195 shots set at the Korea Open, and Tan and Muralitharan ultimately triumphed with scores of 21–17, 18–21, and 21–19 in a match that highlighted their amazing skill, endurance, and mental strength.
| Detail | Information |
| Tournament | Malaysia Masters 2023 |
| Event | Women’s Doubles – Quarterfinal |
| Date | Thursday, 25 May 2023 |
| Venue | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Teams | Pearly Tan / Thinaah Muralitharan(Malaysia Team) vs Rena Miyaura / Ayako Sakuramoto(Japan Team) |
| Final Score | 21‑17, 18‑21, 21‑19 |
| Set Progression Before Rally | 1 game each (Tan/Muralitharan 21‑17, Miyaura/Sakuramoto 21‑18) |
| Score During Rally | 16‑14 in favour of Tan/Muralitharan (3rd game) |
| Rally Length | 211 shots (≈ 3 minutes) |
| Outcome of Rally | Won by Tan/Muralitharan with a disguised drop shot |
| Match Winner | Tan/Muralitharan (Malaysia) |
Game by Game Breakdown
Game 1: Malaysia’s Late Surge Prevails
Score: 21-17
Winner: Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan (Malaysia)
In the opening match, Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan started strong, employing precise net shots and fast interceptions to put pressure on Japan’s Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto. The Japanese duo battled fiercely and managed to keep the score tight, leveling it at 17‑17. However, Tan and Muralitharan rose to the occasion when it counted, combining powerful smashes with clever drop shots to score four consecutive points. They clinched the game 21‑17, taking an early lead and gaining a significant boost in confidence.
Game 2: Japan Turns Tide Under Pressure
Score: 18-21
Winner: Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto (Japan)
In the second game, Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto from Japan changed the tempo and made the rallies longer, which took Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan out of their offensive strategy. With precise drops and powerful smashes, the Japanese duo kept the Malaysians on their toes, and when the score reached 15-15, the Japanese team surged ahead to clinch the game 21-18, leveling the match.
Game 3: Malaysia Rides Record Rally
Score: 21-19
Winner: Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan (Malaysia)
The third game was really close, with neither team getting ahead by more than two points. At 16-14, Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan pulled off a 211 shot rally that lasted over three minutes, making it the longest rally in competitive badminton history, capped off by Tan’s flawless drop shot. Japan’s Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto tied it at 19 all, but the Malaysians stayed strong and won it 21-19, securing a spot in the semifinals and making history.
