Tang Jie-Ee Wei hope for even better show in all-Malaysian tie [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: For world No. 4 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, the real value of their opening match at the Malaysia Open wasn't just the win.

It was the way they went about it — calm, relaxed and even a little lighthearted as they walked off court into the mixed zone — a sign that the world champions are enjoying their badminton while quietly getting the job done.

Having cleared their first hurdle (beating Indonesia's world No. 10 Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu 21-12, 21-17) on Tuesday, they now turn their focus to an all-Malaysian clash with compatriots and world No. 21 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin in the last 16, a pairing they have beaten in all three of their previous meetings.

Reflecting on the opener, Tang Jie admitted it took time to find rhythm.

"For all players, the first match is always hard because we have to adjust to the court and the environment," he said at Axiata Arena.

"But I'm happy today, our communication was very good. Hopefully we can be even better in the round of 16."

Their composure eventually told as they kept their unbeaten run against Jafar-Felisha intact — though Tang Jie insisted it was anything but straightforward.

"There isn't much difference between us. The points are always intense and difficult," he said.

"We're happy to win again today, but it's always hard against them."

The all-Malaysian affair was made possible earlier in the day when Pang Ron-Su Yin produced one of the results of the session, stunning Denmark's world No. 12 Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje 20-22, 21-18, 21-17.

The tie brings mixed emotions, but also perspective.

"For Malaysia, it's good news because we already have one pair in the quarter-finals," said Tang Jie.

"But like everyone else, we want to win too. We'll see how it goes on Thursday. May the best pair win."

Inside the Axiata Arena, the atmosphere felt closer to the latter stages of the tournament — something Ee Wei relished.

"Enjoying it a lot," she smiled.

"Even though it's only the first day, the stadium is already full. So we just try our best in every match and every point."

Earlier, independent pairs Jimmy Wong-Lai Pei Jing and Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien bowed out

.Jimmy-Pei Jing were outplayed 21-10, 21-9 by Asian champions Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, while Tien Ci-Chiew Sien were forced to retire due to injury to Tien Ci when trailing 14-2 against top seeds Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping of China.