The second-seeded Kian Meng-Pei Jing downed fifth seeds Ou Xuanyi-Huang Yaqiong of China 21-18, 21-17 at the Palma Stadium, Suncheon to set up a semifinal date against sixth seeds Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Haningtyas Mentari of Indonesia.

The Indonesians eliminated Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa-Natsu Saito 15-21, 21-18, 21-16 in their quarterfinal clash.

However, it was the end of the road for the other Malaysians who made the quarterfinals.

Rising men’s singles star Ng Tze Yong was a surprise casualty when the world No 45 lost 11-21, 12-21 to world No 156 Weng Hongyang of China in 39 minutes.

Malaysia’s other mixed doubles representatives, Ong Yew Sin-Goh Liu Ying, put up a stiffer resistance before being sent packing 14-21, 23-21, 16-21 by South Koreans Kim Won-ho-Jeong Na-eun.

Professional women’s singles ace Goh Jin Wei, featuring in her first tournament since June, could not get her game going and fell 15-21, 18-21 to South Korea’s Kim Ga-eun.

There was also no joy for 2021 World Championships men’s doubles bronze medallists Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi after they went down fighting 19-21, 20-22 to Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto.