Sze Fei-Izzuddin, ranked world No 9, were pushed hard by Hiroki-Kyohei but prevailed 21-15, 17-21, 21-12.

The Japanese duo, who began their partnership in February, are ranked world No 163.

A difficult second-round encounter awaits Sze Fei-Izzuddin as they will face China’s Huang Di-Liu Yi, who have consistently troubled the Malaysian pair.

The Malaysian former world No 1 pair are hunting for a second title this year after winning the Indonesia Masters in January. They have not had a good run this season, experiencing early eliminations in the last four tournaments.

In another men’s doubles match, new Malaysian duo Choong Hon Jian-Wong Vin Sean gave a good account of themselves by stretching top Taiwanese pair Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen to three games before losing 20-22, 26-24, 7-21 in 63 minutes.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia split the regular pair of Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri last month. Haikal made it to the second round with his new partner Bryan Jeremy Goonting, defeating Hong Kong’s Hung Kuei Chun-Lui Chun Wai 22-20, 21-13 yesterday.

Newly paired duo Chia Wei Jie-Teo Ee Yi caused an upset yesterday by defeating Indonesia’s Rian Ardianto-Rahmat Hidayat 20-22, 21-19, 21-11 to enter the second round.

Also through to the second round are Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, who easily defeated Scottish pair Alexander Dunn-Adam Pringle 21-11, 21-15.

Malaysia’s only women’s doubles representatives, Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee, were knocked out in the opening round, losing to Indonesian rookies Isyana Syahira Meida-Rinjani Kwinara Nastine 21-16, 14-21, 14-21 in 69 minutes.

National singles player Lee Zii Jia, who got through the qualifying round yesterday, will be playing his first-round match against Israeli Daniil Dubovenko tonight.