Aaron-Wooi Yik overcome wind and errors to advance at Malaysia Open [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Unforced errors offered a timely reminder of the fine margins at the elite level, even as Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik made it a perfect day for the nation by opening their Malaysia Open campaign with a composed win at Axiata Arena on Wednesday.

The world No. 2 defeated world No. 32 Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith of the United States 21-11, 21-19 in the first round , but Aaron admitted that a dip in control during the second game briefly tested their concentration.

After cruising through the opening game, Aaron-Wooi Yik looked on course for a comfortable finish when they led 16-14 in the second.

However, the Americans mounted a late rally to surge ahead 19-16, forcing the former world champions to dig deep before closing out the game and the match.

Aaron said that the unforced errors were largely due to differences between the match court and the test court, with shifting wind conditions creating uncertainty after the players changed ends.

"There were some unforced errors in the second game because the wind felt different. At first there was a bit of doubt, but we managed to adapt and claw back," said Aaron.

The win continued Aaron-Wooi Yik's dominance over the American pair.

Their last meeting came in the opening round of last year's Malaysia Open, where the Malaysians prevailed in three games.

Aaron-Wooi Yik now lead the head-to-head record 2-0.

Wooi Yik said the opening match of the year was less about the opponents and more about adjusting to new conditions as quickly as possible, stressing that early-season matches rarely come without complications.

"It's a new start and a new year, so both opponents would be difficult. The most important thing is to adapt quickly," he said.

"Today was a positive start, but we still need to discuss what else we can do on this court because the conditions are different."

Despite the brief wobble, Aaron said there were no physical concerns, confirming that both players began the tournament in good condition.

"I think everything is good. The conditions and physical side are all okay," he added.

Aaron-Wooi Yik will face the winner of the clash between China's Chen Xu Jun-Liu Yang and Taiwan's Liu Kuang Heng-Yang Po Han, with another test of adaptability expected.

Earlier, Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, and Leong Jun Hao had also advanced to the second round, capping a clean opening day for Malaysia at the Super 1000 tournament.