Sze Fei-Hon Jian show huge promise in first outing together

PETALING JAYA: Newly formed men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Choong Hon Jian can walk tall despite failing to return with the title in their maiden outing.

Sze Fei-Hon Jian, who were only paired together last month, caught the eye after nearly getting their partnership off to the best possible start in the Thailand International Challenge.

In the end though, the duo had to settle for a runners-up finish after agonisingly losing out 21-15, 15-21, 22-24 to home pair and world No. 38 Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Nanthakarn Yordphaisong in a nail-biting final in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday.

Doubles coach Tan Bin Shen was pleased with Sze Fei-Hon Jian’s overall showing but acknowledged that they still had room for improvement.

“Overall, Sze Fei Hon Jia’s performance was good,” said Bin Shen.

“They just missed some points in the end.

“Their loss showed that they need to improve on a few aspects.

“Moving forward, Sze Fei (as the more experienced player) needs to guide Hon Jian well during the crucial moments in the match. Hon Jian also needs to improve his game at the front court.

“Most importantly for me, both need to learn to stay focused on court until the end of the match.”

Sze Fei-Hon Jian’s next assignment is the China Masters which starts tomorrow in Ruichang. The pair will open their campaign against unseeded homesters Wang Liangyong-Song Jialong.

“The China Masters will be their second tournament and I want to see them progress further there,” said Bin Shen.

“They need to learn from their mistakes here. They also need to believe that they can become a better pair.”