Latest news with #SzeFei-Izzuddin
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sze Fei-Izzuddin's dip in form just a 'learning curve', says Soon Kit
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Cheah Soon Kit believes Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have what it takes to weather the storm and rise to the challenge of being world No. 1. The national men's doubles legend said the recent dip in form by the Malaysian pair — who ascended to the top of the world rankings in late May — is merely part of the learning curve. Since reaching the summit, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have struggled to live up to expectations, with three quarter-final exits at the Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open, and Indonesia Open. They now look to regroup ahead of the Japan Open (July 15-20) and China Open (July 22-27) — two back-to-back Super 750 and 1000 tournaments which could serve as a barometer of their title credentials heading into the Paris World Championships (August 25-31). "Maybe it's because they suddenly became world No. 1 — a lot of expectations came with that," said Soon Kit, who coached the pair during their formative years in the national setup. "The public now expects them to reach finals or win titles all the time. Hopefully, this short break helps them reset emotionally and mentally. Then they can move forward." Soon Kit, who first identified their chemistry and officially paired them up in 2016, said he has always believed in their potential, particularly Izzuddin's fighting spirit. "Izzuddin was very committed and hardworking. He had strong attacking power — that's one of the reasons I saw him as someone with good potential." Today, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are among the current longest-standing partnerships in world badminton, a bond that has endured even through a brief separation in 2023. "They're more mature and stable now," said Soon Kit. "They just need to keep working together and supporting each other. That's the most important thing. They're already at the top, so don't overthink. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, that's part and parcel of the game. But you must be able to handle pressure, whether it's from the public or elsewhere. In the end, your own ambition must remain strong." Soon Kit added that coping with pressure will be the biggest test for the top-ranked pair. "It's all about spirit. They need to keep their fighting spirit alive.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Goh-Izzuddin vow to maintain ranking and achieving big things this year
PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani believe their inclusion in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme is just the boost they need as they seek to maintain their world No. 1 ranking. Sze Fei-Izzuddin face a tough task to hold on to the top spot after a series of disappointing results but are fired up to improve their form after joining RTG which is an elite programme. Under RTG, they will get additional support services and allowances leading towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 'We are honoured to join the Road to Gold programme for the first time,' said Sze Fei via social media. 'The additional support will help us greatly as we aim to maintain our ranking and achieve big things this year. The independent pair were included in the programme for the first time after their stunning performances last year and beginning of this year which propelled them to world No. 1. Sze Fei-Izzuddin captured the China Open, Japan Open and Arctic Open titles before finishing runners-up in the prestigious World Tour Finals last year. The duo then continued their fine form by winning the Indian Open in January but have not reached the semi-finals in any of their outings since. Sze Fei-Izzuddin have two big tournaments coming up next month - the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. The duo need to do well in both the tourneys to protect their ranking points from last year and maintain their No. 1 ranking. Sze Fei-Izzuddin's biggest challengers to the top spot seem to be fellow Malaysians Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who are currently No. 2 in the world. The latter, who have been on fire since April, are keen to overtake the former and become No. 1 themselves for the first time. Aaron-Wooi Yik triumphed in the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open and finished runners-up to another national pair, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the Malaysian Masters.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Sze Fei-Izzuddin bent on holding world No. 1 spot after RTG inclusion
Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani believe their inclusion in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme is just the boost they need as they seek to maintain their world No. 1 ranking. Sze Fei-Izzuddin face a tough task to hold on to the top spot after a series of disappointing results but are fired up to improve their form after joining RTG which is an elite programme. Under RTG, they will get additional support services and allowances leading towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "We are honoured to join the Road to Gold programme for the first time," said Sze Fei via social media. "The additional support will help us greatly as we aim to maintain our ranking and achieve big things this year. "A big thanks to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for offering us this program and to the RTG committee and staff for their help." The independent pair were included in the programme for the first time after their stunning performances last year and beginning of this year which propelled them to world No. 1. Sze Fei-Izzuddin captured the China Open, Japan Open and Arctic Open titles before finishing runners-up in the prestigious World Tour Finals last year. The duo then continued their fine form by winning the Indian Open in January but have not reached the semi-finals in any of their outings since. Sze Fei-Izzuddin have two big tournaments coming up next month - the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. The duo need to do well in both the tourneys to protect their ranking points from last year and maintain their No. 1 ranking. Sze Fei-Izzuddin's biggest challengers to the top spot seem to be fellow Malaysians Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who are currently No. 2 in the world. The latter, who have been on fire since April, are keen to overtake the former and become No. 1 themselves for the first time. Aaron-Wooi Yik triumphed in the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open and finished runners-up to another national pair, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the Malaysian Masters. With their fellow countrymen looking to maintain their hot streak, the onus is on Sze Fei-Izzuddin to raise their own game to remain as the No. 1.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
World No 1 Sze Fei-Izzuddin ready to smash goals with RTG backing
KUALA LUMPUR: World No 1 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are confident that joining the Road to Gold (RTG) programme will help them maintain their top ranking and achieve more on the international stage. The independent pair accepted the government's offer to join RTG on Wednesday. "We are honoured to join RTG for the first time," Sze Fei posted on Instagram. "The additional support will help us greatly as we aim to maintain our ranking and achieve big things this year. "A big thanks to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for offering us a chance to be part of the initiative." Sze Fei-Izzuddin were previously not part of RTG, as they had yet to break into the top 10 of the world rankings. However, a stellar run in 2024, including titles at the Japan Open, China Open and Arctic Open, saw them finish the year as world No 3, and they have since climbed to the summit. With their inclusion in RTG, the pair will now receive added backing — from sports science support to monthly allowances — to help them prepare for major tournaments, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Still, staying in the programme won't be easy. From 2025, RTG will implement stricter benchmarks, requiring athletes to finish in the top eight of the World Championships and the world rankings. In 2027 and 2028, the bar will be raised even higher, with athletes needing to be in the top four of both to retain their RTG benefits. Sze Fei-Izzuddin also face another immediate test: holding on to the No 1 spot. Their fiercest challengers are none other than compatriots Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, the Olympic bronze medallists who are currently ranked world No 2 and also part of the RTG programme.
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Hannah Yeoh: Two pro pairs have agreed to join RTG
KUALA LUMPUR: Their fellow independent Lee Zii Jia said no earlier, but badminton pairs Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai said yes yesterday. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has confirmed that men's doubles world No. 1 Sze Fei-Izzuddin and mixed doubles world No. 6 Soon Huat-Shevon were the latest to join the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. The four shuttlers and their coach Teo Kok Siang met RTG coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam at the National Sports Institute yesterday before signing their commitments. This makes badminton the sport with the largest number of players listed under the elite Olympic programme with 12. "Four professional badminton athletes Sze Fei, Izzuddin, Soon Huat and Shevon had pledged their commitment to the RTG programme on June 18," posted Yeoh on her Facebook today. "Through the RTG, these four will now receive extensive performance-related support as they aim to not only qualify for the 2028 Olympics, but also create history for Malaysia in Los Angeles. "RTG has always supported athletes who fulfil the criteria of the programme and we hope this additional support will spur them in their pursuit of excellence this year." Besides Sze Fei-Izzuddin and Soon Huat-Shevon, eight other shuttlers pledged their commitments last week. They are men's doubles world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, women's doubles world No. 3 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed doubles world No. 4 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. World No. 28 Zii Jia had turned down the Youth and Sports Ministry's offer to join the RTG programme with his management team saying the support should be given to his peers who are more deserving in the present time.
