TOP seed Chong Wei Feng (pic) stayed in the hunt for his first international crown when he advanced to the third round of the Malaysia International Challenge in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

Wei Feng, who received a first round bye, defeated South Korea's Kim Sa Rang 21-13, 21-16 and will meet Derek Wong of Singapore today.

Chan Kwong Beng also made it to the third round after beating Kevin Dalisay of the Philippines 21-11, 21-12 in the opening round and Randy Sulistya of Indonesia 21-12, 21-17 in the second round.

Kwong Beng will set up a quarter-final clash against Wei Feng if he can overcome Korean Park Wan Ho in the third round.

Second seed Kuan Beng Hong also cruised into the third round after a 21-12, 21-12 win over Rohan Castellino of India and will play Indonesian Bandar Sigit Pamungkas, who beat Teo Kok Siang 21-10, 20-22, 21-11, today.
Third seed Arif Latif also reached the third round after beating compatriot Lok Chong Chieh 21-16, 21-11 and will play his doubles partner Vountus Indra Mawan today.

Vountus made it to the third round after edging Jang Sung Ho of South Korea 16-21, 21-19, 23-21 in 70 minutes.

Fourth seeded Tan Chung Seang was also through when he defeated Korean Park Sung Min 21-15, 21-14 to set up a third round clash against Suppanyu Avihingsanon of Thailand today.

Chong Li Qun, who quit the national team last month, also advanced to the third round after beating Hsu Shao Wen of Taiwan 21-16, 21-16 but faces a difficult match against Andreas Adityawarman of Indonesia next.