KUALA LUMPUR – Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani gave their coaches and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) a perfect parting gift by securing the Super 750 Japan Open title today.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin, who will turn professional next month, ended Malaysia’s 22-year wait for a men’s doubles crown at the Japan Open by defeating reigning world champions Kang Min-hyuk and Seo Seung-jae of South Korea 21-19, 21-15 in the final.
The Malaysian duo, ranked 12th in the world, had previously achieved their best results on the World Tour circuit by winning the 2022 German Open and the 2023 US Open titles.
“Definitely very happy, and we want to dedicate this title with a special thanks to our former BAM president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, for believing in us no matter what.
“Today we had some lucky shots, but we took advantage of our opponents, who were probably not in their best shape,” Sze Fei told the Badminton World Federation.
Izzuddin expressed confidence in their potential to break into the world’s top five if they continue playing as they did today.
“We came here wanting to do our best, and today we managed to win the tournament. I am very proud of both of us.
“This win has definitely boosted our confidence to try and break into the world’s top five. We need to keep focusing on ourselves and improve our communication on court,” added Izzuddin.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin, who were split up for half of 2023, will head to Seoul next for the Korea Open, their last tournament as a BAM pair.
For the record, Chan Chong Ming and Chew Choon Eng were the last Malaysian men’s doubles pair to win the Japan Open, achieving the feat in 2002. – August 25, 2024