PETALING JAYA: Former world No. 1 men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are now in danger of missing out on a spot in the World Tour Finals from Dec 17-21 in Hangzhou.
Their hopes took a hit after losing 9-21, 19-21 to Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard in the second round of the Hylo Open yesterday.
It was a disappointing result and a shock exit for Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who entered the tournament as the second seeds.
The defeat has further dented their chances of qualifying for the season-ending Finals, as they are currently in a close race with compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who are aiming to make their debut in the event.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are currently ranked seventh in the World Tour Finals standings with 69,170 points, while Wei Chong-Kai Wun sit fifth with 79,600 points.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have virtually secured their place, as they are second with 92,940 points.
Only the top eight players or pairs will qualify for the Finals, with a maximum of two representatives allowed per country.
Last year, Sze Fei-Izzuddin were at the peak of their form, winning the China Open, Japan Open and Arctic Open titles, which earned them enough points to qualify for the season finale for the first time.
They ended their campaign on a high note by reaching the final, where they finished runners-up to Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
