One of the two big shocks at SATHIO GROUP Australian Open 2024 on Wednesday came in mixed doubles, with the takedown of fourth seeds Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati.

Their conquerors, world No.49s Choong Hon Jian/Go Pei Kee, won 24-26 21-17 21-14 thanks to an improved mind control.

“I’ve been guilty of overthinking on court so I was determined not to repeat the mistake. We hope to maintain this going forward,” said the 22-year-old Go after only their second win in six opening matches on the HSBC BWF World Tour this season. “We’ve had many first round losses. I’m happy we got through this time.”

Choong, 23, added: “We’ve lost leads before and sometimes we let that affect us in later matches. The negative thoughts start flooding in when we lose a couple of rallies but today we were able to stay steady. We did everything well, and executed our game plan.”

Only a few weeks ago at the Thailand Open, the Malaysians lost a Round of 16 duel to the same opponents in straight games.

“We were more motivated to win (because of that),” said Choong, also in men’s doubles second round with Muhammad Haikal. “Although the shuttle in Bangkok was slower, we rewatched the match to pick up some finer details.”

Next up are world No.1,040 Australians Timotius Elbert/Maureen Clarissa Wijaya.

“We shouldn’t be overconfident. We must approach every match the same. Our main target is to keep improving,” promised Choong.

The only other seed to fall on the day was also fourth in her discipline – women’s singles Yvonne Li. The German went down 21-14 17-21 18-21 to promoted Chinese Taipei shuttler Yu Chien Hui in 55 minutes.

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“It means I’ve been doing a good job for at least six years in a row. It shows I’m consistent at what I’m doing.” – Kalle Koljonen on making his second Olympics

“I don’t let it affect me. I go into every match with the same mindset – to give my best regardless of my seeding.” – Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo on starting a Super 500 as the seventh seed for the first time