Surprise! Malaysia field Sze Fei-Izzuddin as first pair against Japan

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. - Badminton Photo

BANGKOK: In a surprise move, Malaysia have decided to field Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani as the first doubles for the battle against Japan in the final Group D tie at 8pm tonight.

The German Open champions will take on world champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi.

The Malaysians have lost twice but it was more than three years ago at a mixed team event in 2019 and the French Open in 2017.

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainkay has decided to form scratch partnership of Aaron Chia and Teo Ee Yi for the second doubles to take on Japan's scratch pair Akira Koga-Yuta Watanabe.

Soh Wooi Yik has been rested.

Ng Tze Yong will also be supporting the team from the sidelines as Malaysia will depend on Lee Zii Jia, Liew Daren and Leong Jun Hao to deliver in the singles.

THE LINE-UP

First singles: Lee Zii Jia vs Kento Momota

First doubles: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani vs Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi

Second singles: Liew Daren vs Kanta Tsuneyama

Second doubles: Aaron Chia-Teo Ee Yi vs Akira Koga-Yuta Watanabe

Third singles: Leong Jun Hao vs Kenta Nishimoto