KUALA LUMPUR – Just hours after it was announced that Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are set to turn professional, the world number 12 men’s doubles duo smashed their way into the final of the Super 750 Japan Open.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin, who will officially be released by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) on September 1, defeated Indonesia’s scratch pair Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana 21-19, 21-17.
The Malaysians, who tendered their resignation before the Paris Olympics, will face reigning world champions Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae of South Korea in tomorrow’s final.
Third seeds Min Hyuk and Seung Jae secured their place in the final by overcoming another Indonesian scratch combination, Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Daniel Marthin, 12-21, 21-15, 21-19, in the other semi-final match.
Speaking at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) today, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh expressed that the national body respects Sze Fei and Izzuddin’s decision to go independent.
“As you all know, they requested to turn professional. This isn’t new, as we’ve seen it before with players like Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, as well as Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong.
“After thoughtful discussion, we respect their decision and have agreed to release them as of September 1.
“We wish them the very best and assure them that their services will be called upon when the country needs them. Their last tournament as BAM players will be the Korea Open next week,” Kenny said.
Separately, ABM coaching director Rexy Mainaky admitted that he had big plans for Sze Fei and Izzuddin but will continue to support their decision to turn professional.
“When we brought them back together after their temporary split in January 2023, I had plans for them to fight for a place in the Olympics. Unfortunately, time was not on their side.
“That said, the players know what they want, and we must support their decision and wish them every success.
“Perhaps as professionals, they will shine even more because they will be more independent,” Rexy added. – August 24, 2024