KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun gave local fans triple joy by joining mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai in qualifying for the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena today.
In a battle between two unseeded pairs, world No.14 Wei Chong-Kai Wun secured a 21-15, 21-11 win over world No. 29 Christo Popov-Toma Junior Popov of France in 31 minutes.
And it was the first time that Wei Chong-Kai Wun earned a semi-final place in a Super 1000 event.
The victory also lifted the gloom in the national men's doubles camp following the early exits of world No. 3 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and world No. 6 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
In the mixed doubles earlier in the day, world No. 5 Tang Jie-Ee Wei and world No. 6 Soon Huat-Shevon sailed into the last four with comprehensive wins.
While the mixed pairs were expected to progress, it was Wei Chong-Kai Wun who produced a remarkable performance to add to the cheers.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun will play world No. 18 Cheng Bo Yang-Liu Yi of China, who defeated England's Ben Lane-Sean Vendy 21-17, 21-17, in the semi-finals.
Having beaten the China pair in their only meeting, at the Asian Championships last year, Wei Chong-Kai Wun will approach the match with confidence.
Kai Wun said their failure to qualify for the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou last month had fired them up to do well on the World Tour this year.
"The disappointment of missing the WTF made us more determined to improve on our results," said Kai Wun.
"So far, we are satisfied with our performance but we feel we can play better."
Wei Chong said they had to labour for their first win against the Popov brothers at the Kumamoto Masters last year but a more aggressive approach helped them today.
"The usage of slower shuttles at Kumamoto made us struggle for the win but this time, we managed to control the attack against the Popovs," said Wei Chong.
"Bo Yang-Liu Yi are known for their speed and power. So we need to prepare well and go all out tomorrow."
However, independent duo Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi could not lift their game against India's world No. 9 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty in the last eight.
Yew Sin-Ee Yi could only give token resistance after the first game as the Indians secured an 26-24, 21-15 win in 50 minutes.
"Their smashes were powerful and we were unable to defend them. Satwik-Chirag played better than us," conceded Ee Yi.
"They were faster, consistent and managed to control the game better."
Yew Sin-Ee Yi, despite the defeat, will have the consolation of reaching their fourth consecutive quarter-final at the Malaysia Open.