PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani showed their intent to make amends after a disappointing year by returning to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for joint training sessions.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin reached No. 1 in the world in the men’s doubles for the first time in their careers in May but will end the year at No. 7 after failing to match the high standards they set in 2024.
The pair seem determined to return to their best ahead of the Malaysian Open from Jan 6-11 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil and were spotted sparring with the likes of world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said that the world No. 7 pair contacted doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky regarding the possibility for joint training sessions twice a week as part of their preparations for the home Open.
“Rexy informed me on Wednesday that the independent players requested for joint-training twice a week at ABM,” said Herry yesterday.
“I was happy to allow them to join us. This looks like part of their preparations for Malaysian Open. Perhaps they felt they needed better sparring.”
The duo captured three titles and finished runners-up in the World Tour Finals in 2024 but only won the Indian Open this year and finished second in the Japan Open.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s drop in form saw them miss out on qualifying for the Tour Finals this year.
How long will this arrangement last?
“They started on Wednesday and trained today (Friday) as well. Next week, they requested to train with us on Wednesday and Saturday.
“For now, just these two weeks. We have not had discussions beyond that. It’s possible this will continue as we have the Thomas Cup Finals coming up (April 24-May 3).
“For me, this is a good collaboration as they are on the same level as some of the BAM pairs,” said Herry.
“So, this will be beneficial for both parties. They will follow our training programme.”
