The world No 8 pair did not have it easy as the Japanese, ranked No 20, gave them a hard time before they won 21-16, 21-16 in 41 minutes at the Energia Areena in Vantaa, Finland.

Despite leading throughout the match, Sze Fei-Izzuddin were forced by the Japanese players to dig deep into their reserves as the Malaysians found it hard to penetrate the defensive play of their opponents.

After their outstanding performances recently in winning the Super 750 series Japan Open in August and the Super 1000 China Open, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are on track to make a serious claim for the Super 500 event title.

In the quarter-final, the Malaysians will meet Indonesian pair, Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto, who defeated Denmark’s Rasmus Espersen-Christian Faust Kjaer in straight games, 21-13, 21-8.

Meanwhile, another Malaysian men’s doubles team, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, have also qualified for the quarter-final.

In the second round match tonight, they defeated Scottish pair Alexander Dunn-Adam Pringle 21-10, 21-15.