KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran Tan Wee Kiong is not around, but independent mixed doubles players Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien acknowledged the former Olympics silver medallist's influence on their careers.
The world No. 35 reached the last eight of the Syed Modi International in Lucknow today by beating world No. 341 Ghouse Shaik-K. Manisha of India 21-16, 21-18.
It was the independent pair's second Super 300 last eight appearance after reaching the same stage at the Macau Open in September.
Wee Kiong, who finished as men's doubles runners-up with Goh V Shem at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has decided to focus on preparing Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub for the Malaysia Open on Jan 7-12.
Tien Ci said Wee Kiong has been helping them during training and matches over the last four months, and his input has been a great help.
"Wee Kiong is a mentor whom we look up to. He always helps us as much as he can, and we are thankful for that," said Tien Ci.
Tien Ci-Chiew Sien will next meet China's world No. 345 young pair Liao Pin Yi-Huang Ke Zin.
"We have to remain focused tomorrow. I think no matter what, we must have self-confidence every time we play. Fight for every point and leave no regrets," said Tien Ci.
Tien Ci also partered Lim Tze Jain to reach the men's doubles quarter-finals after beating Thailand's Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Worrapol Thongsa Nga 21-19, 11-21, 22-20, and will meet K. Pruthvi-Sai Prateek next.
Meanwhile, world No. 102 Loo Bing Kun-Ho Lo Ee toppled world No. 33 Sumeeth Reddy-Sikki Reddy of India 19-21, 21-16, 21-13 to secure a quarter-final meeting against another Indian pair, Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto, the world No. 66,
Men's doubles world junior champions Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing advanced to the last eight after beating world No. 97 Lu Chen-Po Li Wei of Taiwan 21-16, 13-21, 21-14.
World No. 65 Aaron-Khai Xing will meet Ishaan Batnagar-Shankar Prasad Udayakumar of India in the last eight.
In the women's doubles, Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing cruised into the last eight with a 21-7, 21-14 win over Gayatri Rawat-Mansa Rawat.
However, they face a tough task against India's world No. 16 Gayathri Gopichand-Treesa Jolly tomorrow.
Meanwhile, men's singles world No. 49 Justin Hoh and world No. 56 Cheam June Wei crashed out in the second round.
Justin was beaten 21-12, 21-19 by world No. 47 Ayush Shetty of India while June Wei, who is a full-time sparring partner for BAM players, lost 21-17, 21-11 to Singapore's Jason Teh.