ISKANDAR Zulkarnain Zainuddin got off to a brilliant start at the China Masters today following a 21-15, 21-16 win over Japan's Koki Watanabe in the men's singles first round.
The 25-year-old Malaysian, who recently moved up to No 36 in the world ranking, will play China's Zhu Siyuan in the second round tomorrow.
Iskandar, when contacted in Jiangsu said he wants to retain his good run in form and hopefully secure a spot in the Thomas Cup team.
"My opponent today is still a junior shuttler so it wasn't really that hard for me.
"I, however, want to remain grounded and focus on one match at a time. I have been playing well lately and I want to maintain this momentum.
"My target is to make the cut for the Thomas Cup team," said Iskandar.
Also through to the second round was independent shuttler Liew Daren, who chalked up a 21-17, 21-17 win over Taiwan's Wang Tzu Wei.
Daren, who left the BA on Malaysia (BAM) in January will play China's Ye Binghong next.
It was a disappointing end, however, for Soo Teck Zhi, Goh Soon Huat and Soong Joo Ven who all crashed out in the opening round
In the mixed doubles qualifying round, newly formed Tan Chee Tean-Chow Mei Kuan did well to win both their matches to qualify for tomorrow's main draw.
Chee Tean-Mei Kuan, first saw off Taiwan's Wang Chi Lin-Hu Ling Fang 21-19, 21-17 before stunning China's Han Chengkai-Ni Bowen 21-17, 18-21, 21-13 in the second match.
The Malaysian pair take on South Korea's Kim Gi Jung-Shin Seung Chan tomorrow.