PETALING JAYA: The goal of becoming world No.1 in badminton is something every player aspires, but a few achieve it.
And that’s why coach Teo Kok Siang wants Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to enjoy it while it lasts.
Kok Siang knows it would not be easy to reign at the top as they become the target of the rest of the pack.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been holding on to the top spot for three consecutive weeks. In fact, they have maintained at the top three spot in the world for six months since jumping to the No. 3 in December last year.
The progression of Sze Fei-Izzuddin to the top has been quite surreal really, considering they had gone separate ways briefly in 2023 and only started showing their true colours as world beaters in the middle of 2024.
And through sheer diligence and hard work, they have made it to the top under a local coach and as professionals.
En route to the No. 1 spot in the world, they had captured titles at the Japan Open, China Open, Arctic Open (2024) and Indian Open this year.
They also emerged as the runners-up at the 2024 World Tour Finals.
Kok Siang is proud of the boys but he knows it’s harder to stay at the top.
“I just want to congratulate the boys for reaching the No. 1 spot in the world and staying there for now. I do hope they can stay focused and continue to enjoy in every game,” said Kok Siang.
“The rise to the top should serve as a good motivation and they should not treat it as a pressure.
“I do wish they can maintain it for long time and consistently produce the results, but I’m sure they will try it.
“Sze Fei-Izzuddin know, no matter what (whether up or down), they have my team and I to support them all the way,” said Kok Siang.
Being the defending champions, all eyes will be on Sze Fei-Izzuddin at the Japan Open from July 15-20 in Tokyo and the China Open from July 22-27 in Changzhou.
Said Kok Siang: “The challenge will be tougher in these two tournaments for sure but our players will be ready for it.”
It has not been that rosy for Sze Fei-Izzuddin in the last few tournaments after losing in the quarter-finals in their last four stints at the Indonesian Open, Singapore Open, Malaysian Masters and Asian Badminton Championships.
On their status in the Road to Gold, Kok Siang said a decision had not been reached.
“The players had been busy with tournaments but with a short break now, we will be able to sit down and discuss,” he said.
“It will be good to get the help but it’s all up to the players,” added Kok Siang.
