Soon Huat-Shevon stomach food poisoning to advance at Malaysia Open [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai dug deep to grind out a place in the Malaysia Open second round — with the latter battling food poisoning on the eve of the match.

The world No. 9 husband-and-wife pair were pushed to the limit before prevailing 15-21, 21-19, 21-14 over Taiwan's world No. 38 Wu Guan Xun-Lee Chia Hsin in 56 minutes on Wednesday.

It was a performance built on patience and survival rather than fluency, and only after the match did the reason become clear.

"My partner wasn't feeling well today, so from the first game we were still trying to find rhythm and momentum," said Soon Huat.

"Because of her condition, I had to cover more areas and protect her instead of always going full attack.

"She actually had food poisoning last night, she vomited at midnight and didn't sleep much. I took care of her, so both of us were quite tired."

The Malaysians lost the opening game and trailed at stages in the second, but steadied themselves before pulling away in the decider.

"We prepared mentally to be ready for three games," said Soon Huat.

"The key was tactics, communication and experience. We slowed things down, recovered between rallies and adjusted our rhythm."

Home support, he added, made a difference.

"Even when we were behind, we kept fighting because the crowd gave us energy and confidence."

The reward is a meeting with world No. 32 Presley Smith-Jennie Gai, after the Americans upset India's world No. 17 Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto 15-21, 21-18, 21-15.

It is a draw that gives Soon Huat-Shevon a realistic pathway — and that explains their optimism.

"We have a good chance to push for the quarter-finals," said Soon Huat.

"But we have to stay focused and take it step by step."

They reached the last four last year, their best yet in the tournament, and will now attempt to at least match that result.