Iskandar Zulkarnain was one of three home athletes to book their place in the main draw of the men’s singles event on the opening day of the BWF Malaysia Masters in Bukit Jalil ©Getty Images

Iskandar Zulkarnain was one of three home athletes to book their place in the main draw of the men’s singles event on the opening day of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Malaysia Masters in Bukit Jalil.

Zulkarnain, the runner-up in 2016, started the day at the Axiata Arena by beating France’s Lucas Corvee 21-6, 18-21, 21-17.

The 26-year-old then defeated Indonesia's Shesar Hiren Rhustavito 15-21, 21-15, 21-8.

Zulkarnain appeared to be heading for elimination when trailing 5-13 in the second game, but he managed to fight back and ultimately claim victory.

"At that point I just relaxed and focused on my defence," he told The Star Online.

"My opponent started to make mistakes and I gained confidence from that."

Awaiting Zulkarnain in the opening round is Denmark’s Anders Antonsen.

Malaysia's Yin Fun Lim is through to the main draw of the women's singles event at the BWF Malaysia Masters ©Getty Images
Malaysia's Yin Fun Lim is through to the main draw of the women's singles event at the BWF Malaysia Masters ©Getty Images

The two other home favourites through to the main draw are Joo Ven Soong and Daren Liew.

Soong, the world number 66, firstly overcame Indonesia’s Fikri Ihsandi Hadmadi after his opponent retired when 10-21, 23-23 behind.

He then beat Sony Dwi Kuncoro, also of Indonesia, 21-19, 21-10.

Liew, meanwhile, defeated Denmark’s Kim Bruun 21-16, 13-21, 21-7 before overcoming fellow Malaysian June Wei Cheam 21-18, 21-19.

There was also success for the host nation in women’s qualification with Yin Fun Lim and Ying Ying Lee both advancing to the main draw with wins over Indonesian opponents.

Lim overcame Yulia Yosephin Susanto 21-19, 21-17, while Lee beat Lyanny Alessandra Mainaky 17-21, 22-20, 21-14.

Main draw action in both the men’s and women’s singles events is due to begin tomorrow.