PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Goh Sze Fei is out to build on his positive showing along with Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the Asia Team Championships.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin (pic) justified their inclusion in the team meet by playing an important role in the team’s runners up finish in Shah Alam earlier in the month.
The pair contributed the winning points in the matches against Taiwan, Singapore and Japan and ended the tournament unbeaten.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s encouraging performance saw them break into the world’s top 20 rankings for the first time since they renewed their partnership last June.
They are now ranked No. 19 in the world and are just one rung behind teammates Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
Malaysia also have Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (No. 5) and independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 12) in the top 20.
“Having four men’s doubles pairs in the top 20 is definitely something positive for Malaysia,” said Sze Fei.
“Izzuddin and I were a bit slow in moving up the rankings and we still have some catching up to do.
“I believe we can do even better moving forward.”
Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s next assignment will be the French Open from March 5-10 in Paris.
The pair will play Taiwan’s world No. 25 Lee Fang-chih-Lee Fang-jen in their opening match before a possible clash against Aaron-Wooi Yik in the second round.
“Our preparations for the tournament so far have been going well,” said Sze Fei.
“We have to focus on our first-round match first before thinking about facing Aaron-Wooi Yik.”
Sze Fei-Izzuddin will also compete in the back-to-back All-England (March 12-17) in Birmingham and Swiss Open (March 19-24) in Basel.
Sze Fei is aiming to continue his good form with Izzuddin in the European tourneys in order to earn a spot in the Thomas Cup Finals from April 27-May 5 in Chengdu.
“We need to keep performing well to be selected for the Thomas Cup,” said Sze Fei.
“Our inclusion will not only depend on how we did in the Asia team meet.”
