Former champions Chan-Goh hoping for another German title

Peng Soon (left) and Liu Ying were the champions in the German Open in 2011.

KUALA LUMPUR: Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying are hoping to do a double take at the German Open.

The Malaysian mixed doubles shuttlers got off to a convincing start on Thursday in their bid to win the Grand Prix tournament for the second time. The 2011 champions disposed of Gennadiy Natarov-Natalya Voytsekh of Ukraine 21-11, 21-11 in the first round in Saarbrucken.

Peng Soon-Liu Ying will take on Peter Kaesbauer-Franziska Volkmann of Germany next for a place in the quarter-finals.

Liu Ying said winning the title again would be a big boost in their chase for a spot at next year’s Rio de Janiero Olympics.

“A few top players are here to gain Olympic points. It is not an easy tournament but we will try to win it again,” said Liu Ying.

Since making her comeback in January after taking almost nine months to recover from her knee injuries, Liu Ying and Peng Soon have won one title – the Polish International Challenge – in March.

Tee Jing Yi’s challenge, however, came to an end in the women’s singles. Jing Yi, who ousted American Rong Schafer 13-21, 21-15, 21-11 in the first round on Wednesday, was beaten 18-21, 17-21 by fourth seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan.