KUALA LUMPUR – The hopes of Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin Rumsani to secure another title this week at the Korea Open were dashed after an early exit in the first round.
Fresh off their victory at the Japan Open last week, Sze Fei and Izzudin faced a tough challenge from compatriots Choong Hon Jian and Haikal Nazri in a match held at Mokpo Indoor Stadium, South Korea.
Despite being seeded fourth, Sze Fei and Izzudin struggled to find their rhythm as Hon Jian and Haikal delivered a fierce challenge, pushing the match to a decisive third set.
After 55 minutes of intense play, Hon Jian and Haikal emerged victorious, defeating their senior counterparts with a scoreline of 13-21, 21-16, 21-16.
Hon Jian and Haikal will advance to the second round, where they will face South Korea’s Choi Sol-gyu and Heo Kwang-hee tomorrow.
As for Sze Fei and Izzudin, they will return to Malaysia and prepare to transition out of the national squad, with plans to begin their careers as professional players starting September 1, 2024. – August 28, 2024