KUALA LUMPUR: Justin Hoh faces a tough hurdle against world junior champion Alwi Farhan for a place in the last eight of the Macau Open tomorrow.
The Word No. 52 from Kuala Lumpur outplayed Taiwan's Wang Po Wei 21-6, 21-9 in the first round today.
Indonesian Alwi, the world No. 47, issued a warning by beating independent shuttler Cheam June Wei 21-17, 22-20 in his opening match.
Alwi, who secured his world junior crown in Spokane, United States last year, had beaten Justin twice in three meetings.
However, the Malaysian will not lack confidence after coming out tops in their last meeting at the India Masters in Guwahati, India last year.
National coach K. Yogendran said Justin wasn't tested in the first round but anticipates a close battle between the two players.
"Justin is coming back stronger after injury and improving while Alwi is also playing well. It's going to be a 50-50 match," said Yogendran.
"Justin had an easy match in the first round as his opponent was carrying an injury and couldn't push himself.
"Alwi beat Justin at the Syed Modi International last year, but a week later in Guwahati, Justin overcame the Indonesian.
"I think that victory should give Justin the upper hand in tomorrow's match."
Meanwhile, independent shuttler Soong Joo Ven, who has also started a coaching career back home, could not get past Singapore's Jason Teh and lost 21-17, 21-13.
In men's doubles, Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azryn Ayub secured a 21-17, 21-16 win over Chen Bo Yang-Guo Ruo Han of China.
Wee Kiong's former partner Goh V Shem wasn't as fortunate as he and Boon Xin Yuan lost 21-18, 18-21, 21-13 to Chang Ko Chi-Chen Xin Yuan of Taiwan,
Back-up doubles Bryan Goonting-Fazriq Rashid survived the first round as they overcame Taiwan's Lin Bing Wei-Su Ching Heng 21-15, 21-19.
In the mixed doubles, Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin secured a commanding 21-15, 21-13 win over Lu Ming Che-Hung En Tzu of Taiwan.
Independent pair Wong Tien Chi-Lim Chiew Sien also advanced to the second round after beating Taiwan's Wu Hsuan Yi-Yang Chu Yun 21-18, 22-20.