Sze Fei-Izzuddin Secure Their Quarter-Final Slot at World Championships

PETALING JAYA: National No. 2 men’s doubles pair, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani are on the best track to chase the world title after confirming their place in the quarter-finals at the World Badminton Championships in New Delhi, India, today.

The professional pairing, ranked No. 6 in the world, eliminated Taiwan’s representatives, Chiu Hsiang Chieh-Wang Chi-Lin, 21-17, 21-17 in 42 minutes in the round of 16 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

The victory also avenged their defeat at the hands of the world No. 14 pair in the quarter-finals of the German Open last February and, at the same time, ensures the head-to-head record is now tied at 2-1 in favour of Sze Fei-Izzuddin.

The success of reaching the quarter-finals is the first time achieved by Sze Fei-Izzuddin, and they are not alone as Malaysia will have at least two men’s doubles representatives tomorrow.

Another round of 16 match will see an all-Malaysian clash between world No. 4 pair, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who are ranked world No. 11.

Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles competition, Malaysia’s sole representative, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai, had to concede to the world No. 9 pair, Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi, 15-21, 12-21 in 34 minutes.

The defeat has opened the way for the Chinese pair to level the head-to-head record against Soon Huat-Shevon, who are the world No. 11 pairing, to 3-3.

Utusan Malaysia