KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin maintained their steady form, defeating Japan's Yuta Watanabe-Maya Taguchi to advance to the last 16 of the Denmark Open on Wednesday.
The world No. 27 powered past their newly formed opponents, winning 21-14, 21-17, to set up a clash with China's second-seeded Jiang Zhen Ban-Wei Ya Xin in the next round.
A win against a player of Watanabe's calibre is a notable achievement. Watanabe is teaming up with Taguchi for the first time, following his split from long-time partner Arisa Higashino, with whom he won two Olympic bronze medals.
Pang Ron credited their consistency and better communication for the victory.
"They are still new, and our communication and combination were better than theirs. Our consistency was likely the key factor," said Pang Ron.
Pang Ron-Su Yin are aiming to reach their fifth consecutive World Tour quarter-final.
Their best result was reaching the semi-finals of the Macau Open last month.
In men's doubles, Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Junaidi comfortably beat Canada's Kevin Lee-Ty Alexander Lindeman 21-16, 21-11.
However, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi endured another disappointing campaign, losing 21-18, 21-8 to England's Ben Lane-Sean Vendy.
This follows their first-round exit at the Arctic Open last week, after a semi-final finish at the China Open.