KUALA LUMPUR: Newly crowned Malaysia Cup champion Ng Eain Yow stormed into the quarter-finals of the US$120,000 Singapore Open after dismantling India's Velavan Senthilkumar in straight games today.
The world No. 14 Malaysian, who received a bye in the first round, breezed past world No. 49 Velavan 11-4, 11-1, 11-5 in just 34 minutes at the Singapore Sports Hub.
It was Eain Yow's fourth career win over the Indian player.
The Asian champion will now face fourth seed Victor Crouin of France on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.
Eain Yow has defeated the world No. 12 twice before.
Crouin, the reigning European champion, rallied from a game down to overcome England's Curtis Malik 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-3.
Eain Yow, 26, who clinched the German Open title in April, said: "There was a lot of work that needed to be done at the start of each game.
"Someone as skilful as him can have a good run of points, so I made sure not to give him that chance.
"I focused on getting my straight length right and hitting the ball deep towards the back. I think I executed those strategies well today.
"It wasn't as easy as the score suggested. Mentally, it required a lot of focus, so I'm just happy to progress. The Malaysia Cup win has certainly boosted my confidence.
"Winning today's match was satisfying, but it's just one step. I need to focus on my next match and maintain this form.
"I'm not expecting too much against Crouin, but I'll give it my all to achieve a good result."
Meanwhile, two-time national champion Aira Azman failed to progress in the women's event, losing 12-10, 11-2, 11-5 in 25 minutes to No. 3 Hania El Hammamy of Egypt in the second round.