China Open: Sze Fei-Izzuddin charge into final with renewed chemistry

The world number 12 men’s doubles pair credits improved communication and tactics for their recent success as they eye the Super 1000 title

Sze Fei and Izzuddin will face China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the finals. - Scoop file pic, September 21, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR — The men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are thriving at the China Open thanks to their renewed on-court chemistry.

The world number 12 Malaysians powered into the Super 1000 event final today with a commanding 21-14, 22-20 semi-final victory over Indonesia’s Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Daniel Marthin at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium in Changzhou.

Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the independent duo, who won the Super 750 Japan Open last month, revealed they have been focusing on improving their communication, rotation, and tactical approach.

This is particularly important, as just last year Sze Fei and Izzuddin were temporarily split by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) due to a dip in form and a lack of synergy in their partnership.

“Communication has been key to our recent success. We need to talk even more, especially when our form drops,” said Sze Fei.

“I don’t think we’ve changed our game plan too much, but we’ve been concentrating more on our rotation and ideas,” added Izzuddin.

Sze Fei and Izzuddin will play China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in tomorrow’s final.

The fifth-seeded China pair dashed hopes for an all-Malaysian final when they ousted Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi 21-18, 21-11 in the semi-finals.

“… we promise to give it our all,” said Sze Fei. — September 21, 2024