PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will have nearly a month to fine-tune their game before the World Championships in New Delhi next month and they do not plan to waste it.
The Malaysians are determined to maintain their fine run of form despite an early exit at the China Open.
Although the world No. 7 Malaysian duo bowed out in the second round of the China Open on Thursday, their recent form indicates they could be serious contenders at the world meet in India from Aug 17-23.
The pair have had a good run in recent outings, winning the Indonesian Open last month, followed by a semi-final finish at the Japan Open last week.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin had started strong in China but Danish duo Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard prevailed in the second round as they won 19-21, 21-12, 21-19 in Changzhou.
“I think it was all going okay, especially in the first game when we were leading,” said Sze Fei.
“But they managed to catch up so that is something that we need to be more aware of.”
The pair said they were feeling confident but insist they have more work to do on their part before taking on the rest of the world’s best in India.
“The World Championships is next. Confidence is good but what we need to work on is our performance,” said Sze Fei.
Izzuddin added that their Danish opponents had disrupted their rhythm on court but it was time to get back on the right footing.
“Our opponents played well. But for us, we knew our focus was disturbed.
“We need to learn and improve on not paying too much attention to our opponents’ rhythm but instead on how our game is going,” added Izzuddin.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have produced a series of impressive performances this year, claiming the Indonesian Masters title in January and finishing as runners-up at the Malaysian Masters in May.
