Break-up last year have turned Sze Fei-Izzuddin into a formidable force
Henry Larsson
September 23, 2024 12:31 MYT
September 23, 2024 12:31 MYT
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin unlocked their biggest career achievement by winning the China Open men’s doubles title on Sunday, and their decision to reunite after splitting ways early last year is a masterstroke.
Goh-Izzuddin overcame He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu 13-21, 21-12, 21-17 to deny China their only title on home soil in the city of Changzhou.
Beregu Lelaki sensasi tanah air, Goh Sze Fei & Nur Izzuddin noktahkan kejuaraan siri seribu pertama di jelajah BWF dalam kerjaya mereka! Tahniah Din-Fei!!????#TerbukaChina2024 #NadiWeekend #AstroArena pic.twitter.com/uRm4CQQdWO
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) September 22, 2024
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As a result, they picked up their biggest paycheck of RM622,361 after claiming their first Super 1000 event.
They now have captured two major titles in a month, having also delivered the Japan Open (Super 750) title last month after beating Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-jae in straight games.
Goh-Izzuddin owe their recent evolution and rising reputation as the most in-form men’s pair in the world to their decision to reunite after splitting ways early last year.
RESULTS: #ChinaOpen2024 FINAL#MAS?? Goh Sze Fei-Izzuddin Rumsani(7) def. #CHN?? He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Ru(5) 13-21 21-12 21-17 FeiDin battled past their home-court opponents to secure their second title of the year! Congrats, bros! ??? ⏱️ 58m ? @badmintonphoto… pic.twitter.com/uLXWI1UQs7
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) September 22, 2024
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In January 2023, both men went their separate ways after a series of poor performances, but they quickly realized it was the wrong move and returned to each other again after six months.
Right after reuniting, the now world number 12 pair won the U.S. Open, the Kaohsiung Masters and Abu Dhabi Masters.
But 2024 is proving the pair’s breakthrough year, where they can stake claim as Malaysia’s top pair in light of Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik’s absence on the World Tour circuit.
When asked if the break-up last year was a good break for them, Izzuddin’s reply seemed to indicate so.
“Yes, we hope to maintain this performance and challenge at the top,” he said.
Goh-Izzuddin have also transitioned seamlessly from the national team to becoming professional shuttlers under the guidance of Rosman Razak & Teo Kok Siang under new sponsors Victor.
The pair also earned praise from Malaysia’s deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after their triumph in China.