KOWLOON: Sole survivors Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei kept Malaysia's flag flying in the men's doubles at the Hong Kong Open today.
The world No. 40, who were handed a walkover by compatriots Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the first round, advanced to the quarter-finals after triumphing 21-13, 21-15 against Taiwan's world No. 20 duo Lee Jhe Huei-Yang Po Hsuan.
Izzuddin-Sze Fei will have an opportunity to showcase their talent again as they will be up against the reigning Olympic champions, Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan.
Having reunited several months ago after a brief separation, Izzuddin-Sze Fei are resolute in proving their mettle and building upon their US Open victory in July.
They made it to the quarter-finals of the Korean Open but couldn't advance beyond the second round in both the Japan Open and Australian Open.
In the women's doubles, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah were too formidable for fellow Malaysians, Anna Cheong-Teoh Mei Xing, clinching a commanding 21-7, 21-10 win.
Pearly-Thinaah face a tougher challenge next against Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai, but they should start as favourites due to their superior 4-0 head-to-head record.
"Past results won't count for anything, they will have to approach the match against the Thais with a fresh mindset," said coach Hoon Thien How.