PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are in high spirits ahead of the Sudirman Cup after reuniting with teammates and are out to enjoy a memorable debut outing.
World No. 2 Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who turned independent last September, are back training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, joining the likes of world No. 4 and reigning Asian champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 7) in preparing for the mixed team meet.
Izzuddin is quietly confident of Malaysia’s chances of winning points in the men’s doubles in the tourney which starts on Sunday in Xiamen, China.
The 27-year-old’s confidence stems from the country having three men’s pairs ranked in the world’s top 10 in the tournament.
Among the countries competing 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 Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin (No. 10).
For Malaysia, Izzuddin believes the healthy competition among teammates for a starting spot is a positive as the team look to grab a valuable point in their matches.
“I feel that having three strong pairs in the team with different playing styles is good,” said Izzuddin after playing in a simulation match along with Sze Fei against Aaron-Wooi Yik at ABM yesterday.
“Regardless of which pair is selected, the chances of winning are high. I feel this is a healthy competition. Whoever is picked will give our 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 and was also grateful for the opportunity to learn from legendary coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.
Indonesian Herry replaced Tan Bin Shen as the men’s doubles head coach only in February.
“Honestly, it feels like coming back home. BAM have 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 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.
