Aichi-Nagoya: Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani took another important step toward an Asian Games medal after defeating Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi to reach the men’s doubles quarterfinals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
The Malaysian world No. 6 pair produced a composed performance in front of the home crowd at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium, winning 21-19, 21-16 in straight games.
More than simply securing a place in the last eight, the result provided Sze Fei and Izzuddin with a timely confidence boost as the badminton competition enters its decisive stages.
“I think it definitely gives us more confidence after winning today. We need to stay focused and prepare for the next match,” Sze Fei said.
Izzuddin was also encouraged by their progress, although he believes there is still another level for the pair to reach.
“Alhamdulillah. I think our performance is getting better, but there is still room for improvement. We will prepare for the next match,” he said.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin Move Closer to Asian Games Medal
The victory also gave Sze Fei and Izzuddin a 4-3 advantage in their head-to-head record against Hoki and Kobayashi.
The stakes will rise considerably in the quarterfinals, where the Malaysians will face the winner of the match between China’s Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalists Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang and Thailand’s Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Worrapol Thongsa-Nga.
A victory in the last eight would guarantee Sze Fei and Izzuddin at least a bronze medal for Malaysia.
Sze Fei acknowledged that reaching the podium remains one of their goals, but said the pair do not want the prospect of winning a medal to become a distraction.
“I think that is everyone’s target. But we use it as motivation and just try to do our best,” he said.
Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah Cruise Into Quarterfinals
Malaysia also had reason to celebrate in women’s doubles as Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah booked their place in the quarterfinals with a commanding victory.
The world No. 5 pair needed little time to overcome Thailand’s Napapakorn Tungkasatan and Hathaithip Mijad, recording a 21-8, 21-12 win.
Pearly and Thinaah will next meet India’s Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, with a semifinal berth and guaranteed medal at stake.
Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun Eliminated by World No. 1 Pair
There was disappointment for Aaron Chia and Tee Kai Wun, whose medal bid ended against South Korea’s world No. 1 combination Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in the round of 16.
The Malaysians made a promising start and held a 17-16 advantage late in the opening game. Kim and Seo responded by raising the tempo at the crucial moment, taking five of the next seven points to claim the game 21-19.
The Korean pair maintained control in the second and completed a 21-19, 21-16 victory to advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Japan’s Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi.
