PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Nur Izzuddin Rumsani is quietly confident of Malaysia’s chances of winning points in the men’s doubles in the Sudirman Cup, which starts on Sunday (April 27) in Xiamen, China.
Izzuddin’s confidence stems from the country having three men’s pairs in the world top 10 in the tournament.
Izzuddin and partner Goh Sze Fei, ranked No. 2 in the world, will spearhead Malaysia’s challenge and will be ably supported by world No. 4 and reigning Asian champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
Among the countries in the mixed team meet, only Indonesia have selected three of their men’s pairs currently in the world’s top 10 – world No. 5 Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto, world No. 9 Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana and No. 10 Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin.
For Malaysia, Izzuddin believes the healthy competition among teammates for a starting spot is positive as they look to grab a valuable point in their matches.
“I feel having three strong pairs in the team with different playing styles is good,” he said after a simulation match along with Sze Fei against Aaron-Wooi Yik at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on Tuesday (April 22).
“Regardless of which pair is selected, the chances of winning are high. I feel this is a healthy competition. Whoever is picked will give their very best.
“The most important thing is to prepare our strategies well and be mentally ready.”
Meanwhile, Sze Fei was thrilled to be back training in ABM after he and Izzuddin left the national body to turn independent in September.
The 27-year-old was also grateful for the opportunity to learn from legendary coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.
Herry replaced Tan Bin Shen as the men’s doubles head coach in February.
“Honestly, it feels like coming back home. BAM has the best facilities,” said Sze Fei.
“We feel thankful and we need to learn as much as we can from coach Herry.”
Malaysia will open their group stage campaign against France on Monday (April 28) before facing Australia (April 29) and Japan (May 1).
Only the top two teams in the group will progress to the last eight.
