KUALA LUMPUR: Leong Jun Hao broke a frustrating streak of three first-round exits by overcoming Pablo Abian to advance to the second round of the Spain Masters in Madrid on Wednesday.
The world No. 37 powered past Abian, a four-time Olympian, 21-18, 21-18 in just 38 minutes, setting up his next clash with Taiwan's Lin Chun Yi.
The victory brought much-needed relief for Jun Hao, who had struggled to advance past the opening rounds since the Thailand Masters in January.
The Spain Masters mark Jun Hao's third consecutive appearance in Europe over the past three weeks, following first-round eliminations at the Orleans Masters and Swiss Open.
Jun Hao hopes to do well in Madrid to convince selectors that he is worthy of a Thomas Cup spot.
The Thomas Cup will be held in Chengdu, China, from April 29-May 5.
Facing an in-form Chun Yi, who is riding high after his victory in Basel last Sunday, Jun Hao needs to bring his A-game.
Meanwhile, an exhausting schedule appears to have taken its toll on mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai.
Despite being newly crowned Swiss Open champions, competing in their fifth consecutive week proved challenging, as they suffered a 21-18, 21-18 loss to China's Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi.
The week also ended early for world No. 61 Yap Roy King-Valeree Siow, but they can certainly hold their heads high up after going down fighting 17-21, 21-19, 21-18 to Indonesia's fourth seeds Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto-Lisa Ayu Kusumawati.