PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have broken the hearts of Indonesian badminton fans at the dreaded Istora Senayan twice in the same year.
Yesterday, world No. 8 Sze Fei-Izzuddin ended Malaysia’s 18-year wait for a men’s doubles title in the Indonesian Open after they came from behind to beat home players Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin in the final.
In January, the Malaysians had spoiled the Indonesian badminton fans’ party after they also took down Raymond-Nikolaus in the Super 500 Indonesian Masters final.
This time, the Malaysians were beaten in the opening game but refused to stay down as they bounced back to win 13-21, 21-19, 21-10 at the iconic Istora Senayan in Jakarta. Sze Fei-Izzuddin became Malaysia’s first men’s doubles champions at the tournament since Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari achieved the feat in 2008.
The Malaysians also added to their Super 1000 tally after winning the China Open in 2024.
The duo admitted that the environment posed a challenge of its own, but their calm approach allowed them to claw their way back into the game.
“To be honest, it’s not easy to play at the Istora (Senayan), but we are grateful to be able to make it again here,” said Sze Fei.
The independent pair added that things did seem as if they were all over in the second game when Raymond-Nikolaus were leading, but they persevered.
“The second game was very close. I do think they (Raymond-Nikolaus) played the first two games very well.
“Of course, we had doubts, but we just focused on the match point by point,” said Izzuddin.
At the same time, Sze Fei commended their young opponents for putting up a stern fight once again on their home turf following their encounter in January.
Raymond, 22, and Nikolaus, 20, had entered their maiden Super 1000 final after taking down sixth-seed compatriots Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza in the semi-finals, marking their presence felt among the top pairs.
“They will definitely be one of the best pairs soon,” said Sze Fei.
