Japan Open: Sze Fei-Izzuddin reach final after outstanding victory

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin turned in an outstanding performance to reach the Japan Open men's doubles final after they tamed Indonesian pair Leo Rolly Carnando-Bagas Maulana 21-19, 21-17 on Saturday.

The 42-minute semi-finals victory secured at the Yokohama Arena meant the Malaysian pair are just one step away from securing their biggest career win.

To achieve that, Goh-Izzuddin will first have to overcome South Koreans Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-jae who carved out their own impressive victory to reach the final.

But the world number 12 pair will be confident of their chances of winning this Super 750 event based on the quality of their performance this entire week.

Against Carnando-Maulana, the national pair were dominant from start to finish to secure the deserved victory.

Goh-Izzuddin started off in commanding fashion with a 6-0 lead, which they finished off with a win despite resistance from the Indonesians as the game wore on.

Goh was sharp at the front court and won the majority of his battles against Carnando, while Izzuddin's angled smashes either produced outright winners or paved the opportunity for Goh to finish off the rally.

They will need to be this sharp against the pacey South Koreans on Sunday.

Saturday's victory also meant Goh-Izzuddin becomes the first Malaysian men's doubles pair to reach the Japan Open final since Koo Kien Kiat-Tan Boon Heong did it in 2012.