SIBU: R. Satheishtharan is hoping to make the best out of his GP Gold debut by reaching the semi-finals of the Malaysia Masters.
On Tuesday, the Selangor-born men's singles player notched an impressive 21-12, 21-17 win over Indonesia's Alamsyah Yunus in the first round at the Sibu Indoor Stadium.
Satheish, who has only been with the national backup squad for less than two years, believes he has got nothing to lose this year.
"This is my first ever GP Gold and I hope to continue playing well and maybe reach the semi-finals," said Satheishtharan who will face another Indonesian, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting next in the second round on Wednesday.
Also through to the next stage were former BAM shuttler Chong Wei Feng, who came back from a game down to see off Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia 12-21, 21-6, 21-9.
The 2015 Singapore Sea Games gold medallist, will play Henrikho Kho Wibowo, also from Indonesia in the next round.
It was, however, the end of the road for reigning national champion Lim Chi Wing who went down 21-19, 21-13 to eighth seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia.
Last year's world junior championships bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia, also failed to advance to the second round after losing 21-19, 21-17 to India's Harsheel Dani.