Buoyed up by the boisterous fans, the world No 6 Malaysian pair took 45 minutes to beat their opponents 21-15, 22-20 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

This is the second time Soon Huat-Shevon have beaten China’s world No 11 pair in their four meetings so far.

After taking the first game in just 18 minutes, the Malaysians had to stave off a strong comeback in the second game by the Chinese pair before winning in 27 minutes.

In a post-match interview, Soon Huat thanked the Malaysian fans whose vociferous support had spurred them on, especially during the crucial moments.

Shevon said she had now fully recovered after being unwell over the last few days. It was reported that she had been suffering from a bout of influenza just before the tournament began.

“The next match is definitely not going to be easy, but we will do our best to make it to the final,” she said.

In the semi-final tomorrow, they will play Thai pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran, who are placed a rung below the Malaysians in the world rankings.

The Thai duo eliminated Soon Huat-Shevon in straight games in the second round of last year’s Malaysia Open.