Malaysia is guaranteed representation in the men's doubles semi-finals at the Macau Open after two independent pairs booked a quarter-final meeting on Thursday.
Former world champions Tan Wee Kiong and Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub progressed to the last eight after overcoming fellow Malaysians Boon Xin Yuan and Lwi Sheng Hao 21-17, 22-20 in a closely contested second-round match.
Awaiting them in the quarter-finals are Low Hang Yee and Ng Eng Cheong, who produced a convincing performance to defeat Singapore's Wesley Koh and Junsuke Kubo 21-18, 21-14. The all-Malaysian clash ensures at least one local pair will advance to the semi-finals.
Malaysia's independent men's doubles contingent enjoyed further success through Chia Wei Jie and Teo Ee Yi. The newly formed partnership claimed one of their most notable victories since joining forces, fighting back to defeat China's Hu Ke Yuan and Lin Xiang Yi 23-25, 21-16, 21-13.
The win sends the world No. 120 pair into the quarter-finals, where they will take on Taiwan's Wei Chun Wei and Poh Chih Yang for a place in the last four.
However, there was disappointment for another Malaysian combination as Choi Sol Gyu and Goh V Shem exited the tournament. They were narrowly beaten 21-13, 19-21, 21-19 by Singapore's Donovan Wee and Howin Wong in a tightly fought encounter.
Malaysia's challenge remains strong in other categories as well.
In the women's doubles, second seeds Carmen Ting and Ong Xin Yee advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Taiwan's Chou Yuan An and Sung Yi Hsuan 21-13, 21-17. The Malaysian pair will next face South Korea's Kim Hye Jeong and Moon In Seo for a place in the semi-finals.
Mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron and Lai Pei Jing also continued their campaign in impressive fashion. They comfortably defeated Taiwan's Cheng Kai Wen and Liu Chiao Yun 21-13, 21-12 to secure a quarter-final berth.
The experienced duo will now face South Korea's Cho Song Hyun and Jeong Na Eun as they look to move one step closer to the title.
With multiple pairs still in contention and a guaranteed men's doubles semi-finalist already secured, Malaysia remains firmly in the hunt for silverware at the Macau Open.
