The two-match-old pairing of Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae marched into the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 quarterfinals after another straight games win at Axiata Arena on Thursday.

It came at the expense of Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang – the highest remaining men’s doubles seeds following Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen’s first round defeat on Monday to another new pair Chiu Hsiang Chieh/Wang Chi-Lin. Kim/Seo saw off homesters Junaidi Arif/Yap Roy King 21-17 21-11 in their opener.

Although they were partners from 2017-2019, Kim and Seo have not played together for six years. Reflecting on the 39-minute, 21-17 21-16 win, Seo pointed out that the opponents’ unfamiliarity with their style proved advantageous.

“Them not knowing what to expect worked in our favour,” said the 27-year-old two-time world champion. “They didn’t play much defence. That, combined with speed, is what they are good at.”

Kim, who has developed a reputation as more a of a mixed doubles specialist over the past half decade, credited Seo for helping him manage his nerves against an accomplished pair.

“The pace in men’s doubles is much faster but I’m lucky to have Seung Jae supporting me. That’s why I’ve been able to play well despite feeling nervous,” said Kim. “Seo is a perfect all-rounder – his attacking game is strong and he can adapt to different opponents’ styles.”

The 25-year-old, who won mixed doubles silver at Paris 2024 alongside Jeong Na Eun, added: “Liang and Wang are one of the world’s best pairs but we played a fast game and tried to exploit their weaknesses.”

Seo previously partnered Kang Min Hyuk to the world title in 2023 and reached world No.7 with Choi Sol Gyu before that. After the China Open in September, he also played alongside Ki Dong Ju (Korea Masters) and Jin Yong (Kumamoto and China Masters).

Asked how he maintains high performance with various players, Seo said: “My focus is to use our individual strengths to the partnership’s benefit.

“Kim is incredible in defence and quick at the front court. It’s hard to get the shuttle past him.”