Mixing it up: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have made some changes to their repertoire for the World Championships in Paris.
PETALING JAYA: World No. 2 men’s pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani could unveil something new at the World Championships in Paris this week.
Professional doubles coach Teo Kok Siang admitted that he and his players had made some tweaks in preparation for the prestigious tournament, but declined to reveal details.
Instead, the 35-year-old coach prefers to let Sze Fei-Izzuddin showcase it on court when they begin their campaign in the second round against either the American duo of Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith or Thailand’s Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul.
As the third seeds, Sze Fei-Izzuddin received a first-round bye.
“In training, we made some changes and also studied potential opponents. You’ll see it soon,” said Kok Siang with a smile.
He also dismissed suggestions that Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s playing style has become too predictable, which some believe has led to their recent struggles.
Since winning the Indian Open in January, they have endured a title drought.
Even during the eight weeks they held the world No. 1 ranking from May 27 to July 21, they failed to make the podium until the Japan Open, where they had to settle for runners-up after losing to Seo Seung-jae-Kim Won-ho in the final.
But Kok Siang believes the key lies in adding more spark to their game, stressing that as a top pair, their performances will always be closely watched and analysed.
“My principle is simple. I want them to bring their game to life,” said Kok Siang.
“People will watch and study their style, but we are not just looking at improving results and consistency.
“I also want their game to have vibrancy,” he added.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are carrying big hopes of producing a better result in Paris this time after missing the 2023 edition in Copenhagen due to their brief split.
They made their debut at the 2021 edition in Huelva, Spain, where their campaign ended in the third round.
