Top Seeds Cruise Through

JOHOR BAHARU, June 25 The form guide at the Malaysian Open Grand Prix series remains right on course as the top seeds cruised into the last eight tonight.

Leading the charge is Malaysia's No 1 seed in the men singles, Datuk Lee Chong Wei who booked his quarter-final ticket with an easy win over China's Zhou Wen Long in the 3rd round clash at the Indoor stadium here tonight.

Chong Wei won 21-18,21-14 to set up a quarter-final clash against Japan's Kenichi Tago, the 5th seed tomorrow night and going by the form book, Chong Wei should have no problem booking his ticket into the last four and possibly the final too where China's Chen Long is now the favourite to be there after the loss of Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat.

Chong Wei was hardly in trouble against the Chinese youngster tonight even though at times he looked a little uncomfortable, especially in the opening game. But once he got going there was little the Chinese could do.

"I made a lot of silly mistakes in the opening game but I was in control throughout. I didn't allow myself to be distracted. Infact I was comfortable throughout the match.

"Tago is a player I have met numerous times and the last time I played him was in the Swiss Open in March and I went on to win the title," said Chong Wei.

Two other Malaysians are also in the last eight of the men's singles - Wong Choon Hann, the 8th seed and the unseeded Tan Chun Seang. Choon Hann beat fellow Malaysian Kuan Beng Hong 21-19,21-16 while Chun Seang overcame another Malaysian Yeoh Kay Bin 21-16,21-13.

Choon Hann will take on China's Gao Huan while Chun Seang will play Chen Long tomorrow night.

The women's singles top seed Pi Hongyan of France is in the last eight too after her 21-18,21-11 win over Taruno Megumi in their 3rd round clash tonight.

So is the No 2 seed Sania Nehwal of India who overcame the tough resistance put up by Thailand's Intanon Ratchanok 18-21,21-12,21-8 for a quarter-final meeting with China's Wang Xin tomorrow.