Fans hail 'match of the year', Malaysian pairs can learn from Indonesians

Fans are hailing the China Open men’s doubles final as the ‘match of the year’ which saw Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri beat world number one pair Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae on Sunday.

The Indonesians overcame the South Koreans 16-21, 21-19, 21-19 in a gripping 71-minute contest which had everything from insane speed rallies, lighting reflexes, sharp net exchanges, resolute defending and trademark heavy smashing from both sides especially the Indonesians.

It was a fitting spectacle involving the world’s top two pairings, with neutrals hailing the determination of Alfian-Fikri who have now tamed Kim-Seo at the Japan Open and China Open finals.

Their success is also something for Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin to take heed ahead of the World Championships next month.

Chia-Soh, who will reunite for the world meet, have lost in two finals' this year to the South Koreans at the Malaysia Open and All-England Open.

Goh-Izzuddin is the only Malaysian pair to beat Kim-Seo at the Indonesia Open semis this year, but lost to them at the Japan Open two weeks ago.

Kim-Seo are almost flawless in every aspect of their game, so the Malaysians will be aware they must play an almost perfect match like the Indonesians to stand a chance of winning should they meet at the world champs.

The Indonesians took risks at the net to force the mistakes from the South Koreans at the China Open final, and they also produced an outstanding defence to thwart Kim-Seo.

Being patient in the rallies is also key to beating the world number one pair who have secured three titles and reached five finals this year.