KUALA LUMPUR — National men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun advanced to the semi-finals of the Korea Open Badminton Championships in Yeosu today after defeating Japan’s Haruki Kawabe-Kenta Matsukawa.

The third-seeded Malaysians, who clinched the French Open title last month, needed just 36 minutes to overcome the world No. 49 Japanese pair 21-14, 26-24 in their quarter-final clash at Jinnam Stadium.

Despite being pushed hard in the second game, Wei Chong-Kai Wun held their nerve to seal victory in straight games and keep their hopes of another title alive.

They will next face top seeds Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea for a place in the final, with the Malaysians yet to register a win against the Korean pair in six previous meetings.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing bowed out in the quarter-finals after losing 14-21, 18-21 to top seeds Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin of China.