KUALA LUMPUR: Independent mixed pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing survived an early scare from England's Gregory Mairs-Jenny Mairs to check into the second round of the German Open in Mulheim yesterday.
The world No. 25 Malaysians fended off a late charge from the husband and wife combination in the rubber game to win 24-22, 20-22, 21-19.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing comfortably led 18-12 before securing the match point at 20-17, but showed nerves of steel to clinch their fifth win in as many matches againt the Mairs.
The Malaysians will next take on Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Hanityas Mentari of Indonesia in a bid to reach their second quarter-final of the year.
Also advancing were Goh Soon Huat Shevon Lai, who strolled past Ashith Surya Amrutha Pramuthesh of India 21-12, 21-11.
Soon Huat-Shevon, seeking to add a second title to their success in 2018, will clash with Singapore's Terry Hee-Jessica Tan in the last 16.
In the men's singles, Cheam June Wei continued to struggle as he crashed out in the first hurdle with a 21-19, 21-14 loss to Lucas Clearbout of France.
