MEN'S doubles Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari advanced to their first final since turning professional 10 months ago when they upstaged compatriots Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong in the Thailand Open grand prix gold in Bangkok last year.
Zakry-Fairuz, who left the national team to join KLRC Berhad in September, secured a convincing 22-20, 21-15 win over Thien How-Wee Kiong in the semi-final clash that lasted 39 minutes.
A semi-final spot in the Malaysia Open grand prix gold last month was Zakry-Fairuz's best achievement in their professional career and they now have an opportunity win their fourth career title.
They will meet China's top seeds Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan, who overcame South Koreans Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang 25-23, 21-15, in the final today.
In the men's singles, Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia defeated Olympic champion Lin Dan of China 21-17, 21-16 and will meet another China shuttler Chen Yuekun, who beat compatriot Gao Huan 21-14, 21-15, in the final today.