SZE FEI-NUR IZZUDDIN ADVISED TO FOCUS ON SUPER 750 TOURNAMENTS AND ABOVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have been urged to concentrate on playing in higher-level tournaments such as Super 750 and above.

National badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek believes the professional duo are capable of excelling in top-tier competitions, following their impressive performances, including becoming the first Malaysians to clinch a title this season by winning the India Open 2025 (Super 750) in New Delhi on Sunday.

“I think their level should be focused on Super 750 and above. From what I see, the higher the tournament level, the better their performance.

“They must be selective with their tournaments to maintain their performance, and we hope they will continue to succeed,” he told Bernama.

At the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin defeated South Korea’s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae 21-15, 13-21, 21-16 to clinch the India Open 2025 title.

The achievement also ended Malaysia’s 15-year drought in the men’s doubles category at the India Open, with the last victory achieved by Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari in the 2010 edition.

Razif emphasised that prioritising only top-tier tournaments or limiting appearances to two per month is crucial for the world number two pair to conserve energy and avoid injury risks.

“A player’s performance cannot last across three or four tournaments a month. As humans, they can compete in one or two tournaments, then take a break.

“Three or four tournaments are not impossible, but it’s more suitable for development-level players. Since they’ve reached the top level, they must be selective so they can recover,” he explained.

The Barcelona 1992 Olympics bronze medallist also highlighted the pair’s potential to surpass Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen as the world’s top-ranked pair soon.

According to the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin have accumulated 85,916 points, trailing the 2023 World Championship runners-up, who hold 95,003 points.

If Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin maintain their current momentum, Razif believes they could be strong contenders for the prestigious All England title in 2025, scheduled to take place in Birmingham from March 11 to 16.

-- BERNAMA