KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's men's pairs got off to a fine start at the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland, with both Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian safely through to the last 16 today.

Top seeds Aaron-Wooi Yik defeated Denmark's world No. 27 Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard 21-18, 21-15 at the Energie Areena.

It was their second win in as many meetings against the Danes, after also prevailing at the Kumamoto Masters last year.

The world No. 2 will next take on compatriots Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong, who advanced via a walkover.

Aaron-Wooi Yik, semi-finalists at last month's China Masters, are eyeing their fourth title of the season following triumphs at the Asia Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open.

Meanwhile, world No. 47 Haikal-Hon Jian pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the day after toppling world No. 16 Huang Di-Liu Yang of China 23-21, 22-20 in a gripping first-round contest.

The Malaysians displayed remarkable composure, overturning a 19-17 deficit in the opening game before saving a game point at 20-19 to edge ahead.

In the second game, they, again, came from 17-13 down and saved two game points at 20-18 to end up winners.

Hon Jian-Haikal, who lifted the Orleans Masters title earlier this year, will next face either Scotland's Grimley brothers Christopher-Matthew or French duo Eloi Adam-Leo Rossi.