Slip sliding away: Goh Sze Fei (back) and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have been experiencing a downward spiral ever since their German Open title in February last year. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: It looks like the partnership of Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani is set to come to an end.
And Izzuddin has resigned to the fact that they were not making headways and will leave it to national doubles coach Rexy Mainaky to decide on their fate.
“Sze Fei and I did not have good starts in both tournaments this year (Malaysian and Indian Opens) but I believe it is not the end. We need to improve on our finishing and mental strength,” said Izzuddin.
“I will have to discuss with the coach, Fei and decide which is the best solution but I need to also rectify my weakness and overcome them.
“I am open to any decision from the coach (including splitting).
“If my revival is with a new partner, I will just accept it. I am ready for any eventualities.”
Rexy did not discount that possibility as the pair have been experiencing a downward spiral ever since their German Open title in February last year.
They also reached the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open in July last year which was their last notable effort.
Last week, Sze Fei-Izzuddin lost in the first round of the Indian Open. Prior to that, they also crashed out in the opening round of the Malaysian Open.
“I spoke to them after the Europe Tour in November and Izzuddin was unhappy for losing matches that they should have won,” said Rexy.
“They seem to have lost their fire. When they lose, it becomes a normal thing and they move on. This is also something we need to think about.
“We have to discuss further and find out why they are caught in similar situations and whether they are not too confident with each other.”
All the pairs in the national team are fighting for the two Olympic slots for the Paris Games next year.
World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are in the drivers’ seat while Man Wee Chong-Tee Kai Wun and independent combination Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi are also in the running.
“If Sze Fei-Izzuddin are going to be split, we will have to assess the risk of them missing the 2024 Olympics and if they are able to qualify for the following Olympics (2028) with new partners,” said Rexy.
“I hope we don’t have to do it but if splitting them is the inevitable, we may have no other choice. So, it is time to decide whether to keep them together (as a pair) or start afresh (with new partners).”
