Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani overcame a slow start to keep their China Open campaign alive on Wednesday, battling back from a game down to reach the men's doubles last 16.
The fifth seeds recovered from losing the opening game to defeat Taiwan's Chen Zhi Ray and Lin Yu Chieh 15-21, 21-15, 21-16 in Changzhou.
The victory marked the world No. 6 pair's second win over the Taiwanese duo, having also beaten them at last year's Malaysia Masters.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin will now face Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard in the second round after the world No. 16 pair defeated China's Hu Ke Yuan and Lin Xiang Yi 18-21, 22-20, 21-16.
The upcoming clash carries added significance, with the head-to-head record tied at 3-3. The Danes also emerged victorious in their most recent meeting, defeating the Malaysians in straight games to win the Malaysia Masters title in May.
That result gives Sze Fei and Izzuddin an immediate opportunity to gain revenge while keeping alive their bid for a second Super 1000 title this season.
The Malaysians head into the contest in encouraging form after capturing the Indonesia Open crown in June, their first Super 1000 title of the year. They also reached the semi-finals of last week's Japan Open, underlining their consistency on the World Tour.
Another victory in Changzhou would move Sze Fei and Izzuddin one step closer to another deep run and strengthen their momentum ahead of next month's World Championships.
