Despite trailing 6-9 in the first game, world No 8 Zii Jia fought back to take it 21-15.

A similar script occurred in the second game which saw Zii Jia trailing 7-11 at the interval, before a finger injury took a toll on the Thai player and allowed the former to lead 16-14 before sealing a 21-16 victory.

Women’s pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah had a rough day as they lost 21-14, 21-14 to world No 4 Kim So-yeong-Kong Hee-yong of South Korea in 45 minutes in their opening Group A match.

Meanwhile, Rio 2016 mixed doubles silver medallists Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying got off to a flying start as they defeated Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing 21-14, 21-13 in all-Malaysian Group A match.

In men’s doubles Group B action, professional duo Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi enjoyed a convincing 21-16, 21-19 victory over French pair Christo Popov-Toma Junior Popov.