Malaysian mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai led the country’s charge into the second round of 2019 All England Open at Birmingham Arena on Wednesday.
They defeated Ronald Ronald-Annika Saufika of Indonesia, winning 21-16, 21-11 in the opening round match.
National men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia Teng Fong-Soh Wooi Yik also moved into the next round after fending off a strong challenge from Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han of Taiwan 12-21, 21-16, 21-16.
Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, who left the national setup early this year, also booked their spot in the second round after subduing Berry Angriawan-Hardianto Hardianto of Indonesia 21-14, 17-21, 21-17 in the first round.
Malaysia’s interest in the women’s singles, however, fizzled out after two national players lost to their Japanese opponents.
Former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei lost 20-22, 13-21 to Sayaka Takahashi, while Soniia Cheah Su Ya was beaten by Aya Ohori 15-21, 16-21.