Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik flexed one of their finest performances of their fledgling careers to send the world number one pairing of Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo-Marcus Fernaldi Gideon packing in straight games 21-14, 21-17 at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday.

That 33-minute victory put Malaysia’s number one men’s doubles pairing in the semi-finals, with a showdown against either Li Jun Hui-Liu Yuchen/Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen to come.

Men’s doubles head coach Flandy Limpele had already said before this encounter there was a specific gameplan devised to dethrone the top seeded Indonesians whom Chia-Soh had not beaten on seven prior occasions.

When the world number nine pair stepped on to court, that gameplan was clearly embedded in them as the Malaysians started the game like men possessed, intercepting the Indonesians early at the net and not hesitating with their offensive returns.

An 8-2 lead soon turned to a healthy 18-11, which eventually was clinched 21-14 for the lead in 13 minutes.

Chia-Soh did not let up in the second game and not once allowed the Indonesians to overtake their lead.

After leading 13-9 and 16-13, there was a brief moment of respite for Kevin-Marcus who levelled at 16-16.

But like how they did in their opening group match, Chia-Soh kept composed while on the offense all the time to seal the tie with the 21-17 win.

“I’m thankful for this victory. It was crucial for us not to play into their game and focus on our own strategy, and today it worked well,” said Chia.

Soh was unfazed on who their semi-final opponents would be, saying “Playing anyone at the Olympics semi-finals will be tough. We just have to follow our gameplan like we did today.”

Malaysian fans will be anticipating another victory today when Lee Zii Jia takes on Chen Long in a huge last-16 men's singles encounter at 6.15pm later.

(Photo: asiana.my)