ODENSE: Mixed doubles pair Hoo Pan Rong-Cheng Su Yin knocked out an experienced Yuta Watanabe and his new partner Maya Taguchi of Japan to enter the second round of the Denmark Open.
The Malaysian duo carved out a 21-14, 21-17 win against Watanabe-Taguchi in 40 minutes and are likely to play second seeds Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin of China.
Watanabe has won the Olympic Games bronze medal twice with Arisa Higashino but both have gone separate ways after the recent Paris Olympic Games.
Pang Ron was happy with the win.
"It's great to beat the experienced Yuta and his new partner. I've to admit that as a new pair, they had their struggles and we took advantage of that," said Pang Ron.
"Still, it's a good win for Su Yin and I as this is our first Denmark Open.
"In fact, I'm proud of Su Yin as she did well today to step up at times when I was unable to cover the court well."
Earlier, the more experienced Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing also cleared their opening round with a 21-7, 21-14 win against Ethan Van Leeuwen-Chloe Birch of England.
They will face third seeds Kim Wan-ho-Jeong Na-eun of South Korea next.
Said Pei Jing: "Kian Meng and I are more steady now on the court. It has been a better year for us and hopefully, we will continue to be consistent."
