Sze Fei-Izzuddin lose Japan Open final and world No. 1 ranking
The Malaysians, who claimed a career-defining title at the same tournament last year, were outplayed 21-16, 21-17 by the Won Ho-Seung Jae at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
It was a statement win for Won Ho-Seung Jae, who are set to rise to the world No. 1 spot for the first time when the new BWF world rankings are released on Tuesday — displacing Sze Fei-Izzuddin at the summit.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are expected to drop to third as a result of failing to defend their title-winning points from last year.
The Koreans, who only paired up earlier this year, have now racked up five titles in a dream season, underlining their unstoppable form heading into the Paris World Championships next month.
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