World No 3 men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were made to struggle by a scratch Indonesian pair before winning their opening match of the China Masters in three games.
The third-seeded Malaysian pair were sluggish as they defeated the unranked Rian Ardianto-Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan 12-21, 21-17, 22-20 in 42 minutes.
A tough match awaits them in the last 16 of the World Tour Super 750 meet as they will face Thailand’s top pair, Kittinupong Kedren-Dechapol Puavaranukroh, or Taiwanese champions Lee Jhe Huei-Yang Po Hsuan.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been having a relatively poor season with several early exits, including three first round knockouts.
They are still in the hunt for a second title this year, having won the India Open crown in January.
Separately, men’s doubles shuttlers Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong were shown the exit in the opening round by Taiwanese twins Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen.
The Malaysian pair lost to the higher-ranked Taiwanese duo 12-21, 21-18, 12-21 in 51 minutes.
In the mixed doubles event, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai defeated compatriots Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien 21-17, 21-12 to progress to the last 16.
