In control: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in action against Taiwan’s Chen Zhi-ray-Lin Yu-chieh during the second-round match. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: World No. 2 men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani already boast an impressive collection of titles on the World Tour. However, they want nothing more than winning a trophy on home soil at the Malaysian Masters.
To do so, they must first overcome a tough challenge from compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the quarter-finals today.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin advanced smoothly to the last eight yesterday after defeating Taiwanese duo Chen Zhi-ray-Lin Yu-chieh 21-19, 21-13.
Meanwhile, Wei Chong-Kai Wun secured their spot in the quarters after beating Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa-Kyohei Yamashita 21-17, 21-13.
Last year, Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s run at the Malaysian Masters ended in the quarter-finals, where they lost to Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
“That is definitely one of our targets, to reach the podium. But as I said earlier, our focus for each round is just to do our best until we achieve it,” said Izzuddin.
“Our main focus is to do our best, bring out our best game, and enjoy the match,” he added.
Although Sze Fei-Izzuddin have a good record against Wei Chong-Kai Wun, with their last win over them at the China Open last September, this does not give them an advantage.
“I think this is a good sign for Malaysian men’s doubles, and I believe tomorrow both sides will give their best.
“Every day is a different condition, and we just try to bring out our best form,” said Sze Fei.
Meanwhile, the hopes of two other men’s doubles pairs, Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri and Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong, to advance further were dashed.
Hon Jian-Haikal lost to former world champions from Japan, Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, who defeated them 14-21, 13-21.
As for Hang Yee-Eng Cheong, they succumbed to the strength of top seeds Astrup-Rasmussen with a score of 9-21, 12-21.
