Latest news with #BAofMalaysia
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
It gets from bad to worse for Sze Fei-Izzuddin
THE world came crashing down on men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the past week. After slipping two rungs to world No. 3 in the weekly Badminton World Federation rankings on Tuesday, Sze Fei-Izzuddin were dealt another blow yesterday. They crashed out in the first round of the China Open after a 21-15, 15-21, 17-21 loss to South Korea's world No. 40 Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju in 56 minutes at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre. Sze Fei-Izzuddin conceded that their opponents were simply better on the day. The Malaysian duo failed to build on the momentum from their runners-up finish at the Japan Open last week. Despite winning the opening game convincingly, Sze Fei-Izzuddin couldn't stop the Koreans from taking control of the match thereafter. "We tried our best, but our opponents were better than us today," said Sze Fei in a post-match BWF interview. "They controlled the game with the first three shots." Since winning the India Open in January, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been unable to add to their trophy haul — a slump that saw them relinquish their world No. 1 ranking after just eight weeks at the top. There has been speculation recently that the independent pair were set to rejoin the BA of Malaysia. However, Sze Fei dismissed such claims on Tuesday. Sze Fei-Izzuddin will hope to bounce back at next month's World Championships.s
![[UPDATED] A horrible week for Sze Fei-Izzuddin](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F23ns38bad_1753237926.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] A horrible week for Sze Fei-Izzuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: The world came crashing down on men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the past week. After slipping two rungs to world No. 3 in the weekly Badminton World Federation rankings yesterday, Sze Fei-Izzuddin Rumsani were dealt another blow today. They crashed out in the first round of the China Open after a 21-15, 15-21, 17-21 loss to South Korea's world No. 40 Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju in 56 minutes at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre. Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin conceded that their opponents were simply better on the day. The Malaysian duo failed to build on the momentum from their runners-up finish at the Japan Open last week. Despite winning the opening game convincingly, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin couldn't stop the Koreans from taking control of the match thereafter. "We tried our best, but our opponents were better than us today," said Sze Fei in a post-match BWF interview. "They controlled the game with the first three shots." Since winning the India Open in January, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been unable to add to their trophy haul — a slump that saw them relinquish their world No. 1 ranking after just eight weeks at the top. There has been speculation recently that the independent pair are set to rejoin the BA of Malaysia. However, Sze Fei dismissed such claims yesterday. Sze Fei-Izzuddin will hope to bounce back at next month's World Championships.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sze Fei-Izzuddin dismiss rumours of their return to BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have cleared the air on rumours of their returning to the BA of Malaysia (BAM). There has been talk that the independent world No. 3 pair were returning to BAM to train with legendary coach Herry IP. Sze Fei-Izzuddin quit BAM in September last year — just a week after winning the Japan Open. They went on to claim the China Open, Arctic Open and India Open, shooting up to world No. 1 eight weeks ago. However, they have not won a title since their India Open triumph in January. They have since relinquished their top spot to South Korean pair Seung Seo Jae-Kim Won Ho, who defeated them in the Japan Open final last week. In an Instagram Story post on his official account, Sze Fei clarified that he and his partner are happy with their status as a professional pair. "We wish to clarify that we are happy with our status as a professional pair and reaching the Japan Open final has further strengthened our confidence and drive to continue improving under the guidance of our coach, Teo Kok Siang," read the post. "Our relationship with BAM remains great, and we always appreciate BAM for the support shown to us throughout our stints with them. "Hope this can stop the untrue rumours out there." Sze Fei-Izzuddin are competing in the China Open, where they are the tournament top seeds, and expected to face South Korea's Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju in the first round tomorrow.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Don't hold grudges or let the past cloud your judgement'
KUALA LUMPUR: As speculation grows over a possible return to the national fold for men's pair Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, former great Ong Ewe Hock, has offered some advice — the decision is entirely theirs, but it must be made with a clear head and not emotionally. World No. 3 Sze Fei-Izzuddin quit BAM in September last year — just a week after winning the Japan Open. They went on to claim the China Open, Arctic Open and India Open in January, shooting up to world No. 1 eight weeks ago. However, they have not won a title since their India Open triumph. They have since relinquished their top spot to South Korean pair Seung Seo Jae-Kim Won Ho, who defeated them in the Japan Open final last week. Ewe Hock, who himself left and later rejoined the BA of Malaysia (BAM), believes Sze Fei-Izzuddin must weigh the relative stability of the national set-up against the demanding realities of life as independent players. He urged the pair to prioritise professionalism over pride and warned them not to be driven by unresolved issues. "If you feel it's the right move, then go back (to BAM)," said Ewe Hock. "The decision is theirs to make. Don't hold grudges or let the past cloud your judgement. "You need to consider what's best for your career. "You can't be thinking, 'Oh, this happened before.' You have to look ahead. If BAM can now provide what you need to succeed, then why not? This is your career, not a personal battle." To emphasise his point, Ewe Hock painted a sobering picture of what life is like outside the BAM structure — something he experienced firsthand. "Life on the outside is tough. You have nothing," he said. "Training is inconsistent, there's no dedicated physio, and you lack proper facilities. "You must find your own sponsors, arrange travel, and manage your own fitness. The challenges are far greater than what you may face within BAM." Ewe Hock once left the national team in protest against BAM taking 50 per cent of the players' prize money. He understands the sacrifices of going solo and the logic of returning when conditions improve. "If you're already performing well without support, just imagine what you could do with access to top-class facilities. I believe you could play even better." Citing the recent case of women's pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, who successfully negotiated terms to remain with BAM after a protracted saga, Ewe Hock said the key lies in open dialogue and a willingness to compromise. "You can't expect to get everything you want," he said. "There needs to be give and take. You discuss what you need, BAM outlines what they can offer, and you find a middle ground." Ultimately, Ewe Hock said the decision rests with Sze Fei and Izzuddin — but if they choose to return, they must be fully committed. "Once everything is settled, it's about performance," he said. "You have to prove yourselves on court."
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sze Fei-Izzuddin set for BAM return?
KUALA LUMPUR: Are men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani on their way back to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) just 10 months after turning professional? The pair, who will lose their world No. 1 ranking when the new BWF list is released on Tuesday, appear to be rethinking their path after a worrying dip in form. According to reliable sources, they approached BAM recently to explore the possibility of a return. The major draw? Indonesian coach Herry IP — the man behind the resurgence of world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who have won four titles between them this year since his arrival at BAM in February. Sze Fei-Izzuddin quit BAM in September last year — just a week after winning the Japan Open. They went on to claim the China Open, Arctic Open, and India Open in January, shooting up to world No. 1 eight weeks ago. But they haven't won a title since their India Open triumph, and their reign at the top ends this week after they failed to defend their Japan Open crown, losing to South Korea's world No. 3 Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae on Sunday. The Koreans will officially take over the top spot on Tuesday, with Sze Fei-Izzuddin expected to drop two places in the rankings. Former national shuttler Datuk James Selvaraj believes a return to BAM would be a step in the right direction. "Sze Fei-Izzuddin will definitely gain a lot by rejoining BAM. Herry's coaching has been a game-changer for our national pairs," said James. "Herry and doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky are focusing on power and speed — a system that would suit Sze Fei-Izzuddin and help reverse their recent decline. "Their return could also raise the level of our other men's doubles pairs and strengthen Malaysia's depth on the world stage." Sze Fei-Izzuddin had previously praised Herry's training methods during a short centralised training stint at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara ahead of the Sudirman Cup in May — a stint that may have rekindled their interest in rejoining the national fold. "Physical endurance, or the lack of it, seems to be a key reason behind their struggles. That's something BAM can help with," added James. "In today's game, support services are crucial — strength training, recovery, physio and mental coaching. "As independents, they've had to manage everything on their own. "With BAM, all of that is under one roof. But if they do return, they must commit fully." Top seeds Sze Fei-Izzuddin will now turn their attention to defending their China Open title. They face a tricky first-round clash against South Korea's world No. 49 Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju on Wednesday.
