Arctic Open: Tang Jie-Ee Wei, Kian Meng-Pei Jing clear opening hurdle

Two Malaysian mixed doubles pairs cleared their first round hurdles at the Arctic Open as the European leg of the BWF World Tour circuit began in Vantaa, Finland.

Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei made light work of English pair Marcus Ellis-Lauren Smith with a 21-14, 21-17 victory to confirm their passage into the next round.

The fifth seeds are up against Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet in their second-round encounter, which they should be optimistic of overcoming to continue their steady progression after breaking into the top 10 with two titles to boot this year.

Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing also made it into the second round after an easy victory over another English pair Gregory-Jenny Mairs, and next take on against Reginald Lee-Ng Tsz Yau on Thursday.

The independent pair came into this Super 500 event having had an extended break as they were not involved in Asian Games action.

They would be hoping to clear their second round Hong Kong opponents for an extended run to make up for the plethora of early exits this year.

It was the end of the road for Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai, who lost to Reginald-Ng in the first round, while K.Letshaana also fell in the second round qualifiers.

The rest of the Malaysian shuttlers are in action on Wednesday, including Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.