PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will need to be wary of Indonesia’s experimental combination Rian Ardianto-Yeremia Rambitan when they meet in the opening round of the China Masters starting today.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who are still struggling to rediscover their best form, cannot afford to underestimate the Indonesian duo even though Rian-Yeremia are not expected to be paired together for long.
This is because Rian, who is more commonly known as Fajar Alfian’s partner, has always been a thorn in the side of the Malaysians, boasting eight wins in 12 previous meetings.
Professional team assistant coach Ameer Amri Zainuddin stressed that Sze Fei-Izzuddin must sharpen their focus on court when taking on the Indonesians, as both Rian and Yeremia remain dangerous individually despite this being their first tournament together.
“It’s always a challenge going up against a new pair, especially since both of them are very experienced at the highest level.
“But we believe in our own game and will try to make use of our strengths on court. What’s important is to stay focused on every point, because when facing a new pair, we need to adapt quickly to their style of play,” said Ameer when contacted.
Rian and Fajar had been partners for 11 years, but their recent dip in form prompted the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) to take drastic action and split them up after the World Championships in Paris.
For now, Rian will be paired with Yeremia until the Korean Open next week.
After that, he will team up with Rahmat Hidayat for three European tournaments in October, starting with the Denmark Open (Oct 14-19), followed by the French Open (Oct 21-26) and Hylo Open (Oct 28-Nov 2).
Meanwhile, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are still battling to find their rhythm, having last reached the podium as runners-up at the Japan Open in July.
Apart from Sze Fei-Izzuddin, Malaysia will also be banking on five other men’s doubles pairs in the tournament, led by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik who face Taiwan’s Liu Kuang-heng-Yang Po-han in the opening round.
Fifth seeds Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun will take on French brothers Christo and Toma Junior Popov.
Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi will be up against Taiwan’s Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Wang Chi-lin, while Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong meet Lee Fang-chih-Lee Fang-jen.
It will be a tough test for Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King as they are drawn against India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, the Hong Kong Open runners-up last week.
