KUALA LUMPUR: Newly crowned Malaysia Masters champions Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai booked their spot in the second round of the mixed doubles category at the Singapore Open today.
Soon Huat-Shevon downed India's B. Sumeeth Reddy-N. Sikki Reddy 21-18, 21-19 in their opening match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The pair admitted that they were not at their best in the match.
"I wasn't not feeling as stable as I would like as this was our first game here and am still adapting to the conditions here. We hope to do better in our next match," said Shevon in a post-match interview with SPOTV.
"Mentally (I) feel quite tired but we have to stay focused and take care of our body (physical) condition," said Soon Huat.
Soon Huat-Shevon will face world No.1 Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong next for a spot in the quarterfinals.
"They are a very strong pair who have speed, power and consistency," added Shevon.
"We have to be prepared to fight...it will be a big challenge.
"Every time we enter the court we do our best. Win or lose, we will enjoy every match."
Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing also secured their berth in the second round after beating German duo Jan Voelker-Isabel Lohau 21-14, 21-11.
They will next face Dutch pair Robin Tabeling-Selena Piek.
In the men's doubles category, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun advanced to the second round after beating Thailand's Supak Jomkoh-Kittinupong Kedren 21-12, 21-11.
They will face either Alexander Dunn-Adam Hall (Scotland) or Kim Astrup-Anders Rasmussen (Denmark) next.
It was, however, the end of the road for Goh Jin Wei in the women's singles as she was beaten in straight sets 22-20, 21-18 by Spain's Carolina Marin.