KUALA LUMPUR: For any seeded pair, an early exit is a nightmare, especially at a prestigious tournament like the ongoing All-England in Birmingham.
Malaysia’s men’s doubles duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are in the spotlight as the world No. 2 pair and second seeds. However, rankings offer no guarantees.
India’s top-seeded Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty crashed out in the second round last year while second seeds Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang also fell short.
The Malaysian camp too endured heartbreak in 2023 when then-second seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik suffered a shock first-round exit.
Professional doubles coach Teo Kok Siang has urged Sze Fei-Izzuddin to stay sharp and not be too comfortable with their seeded status.
The duo has yet to progress beyond the first round in three previous appearances at the All-England, making today’s match even more crucial.
Their first-round opponents, South Korean veterans Kim Gi-jung-Kim Sa-rang, remain a serious threat. They have a strong pedigree, having won back-to-back World Championship bronze medals in 2013 and 2014.
“I can’t control what happens on court but my advice to them is simple, rankings don’t matter. What’s important is focusing on the tournament and ensuring proper preparation,” said Kok Siang.
Despite Malaysia’s 18-year drought in the men’s doubles event at the All-England, Kok Siang is not piling on the pressure. Instead, he wants his players to embrace the tournament, which he regards as just a notch below the Olympics in prestige.
“I want them to enjoy their matches and go as far as possible. This is a Super 1000 event, just slightly below the Olympics in status. What matters most is their hunger to succeed,” he added.
For this year’s All-England, Malaysia have entered 14 representatives, including seven pairs in the men’s doubles event, boosting the nation’s chances of reclaiming the title last won by Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in 2007.
