Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin, Viktor Axelsen Win India Open

0
2483
Congratulations to Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin for winning the 2025 India Open. (Photo: AFP)
Congratulations to Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin for winning the 2025 India Open. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, claimed the men’s doubles title at the 2025 India Open, ending an 11-year title drought for Malaysia at the tournament. The second-seeded pair defeated South Korea’s dynamic duo, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, in a thrilling three-set final, 21-15, 13-21, 21-16.

The victory marks Malaysia’s first title at the India Open since Lee Chong Wei’s men’s singles triumph in 2014. For men’s doubles, the last Malaysian pair to win the title was Fairuzizuan Tazari and Mohd Zakry Latif back in 2010. This championship also stands as Malaysia’s first title of the 2025 BWF World Tour season.

Highlights of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin vs. Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in the 2025 India Open final:

At last week’s Malaysia Open, no Malaysian representatives managed to reach the finals, with the best results being semifinal finishes. However, Goh and Izzuddin’s performance in New Delhi has reignited hope for Malaysian badminton fans.

In the final, the first game saw Goh and Izzuddin dominate early, taking a 4-1 lead and maintaining control throughout. At 17-15, they surged ahead with four consecutive points to close the game 21-15.

In the second game, Kim and Seo turned the tables, leading from the start and maintaining their dominance to win 21-13, forcing a decider.

Goh and Izzuddin started the decider strongly, racing to an 8-2 lead. Although Kim and Seo fought back with four consecutive points, Goh and Nur answered with a six-point streak to re-establish their advantage. Despite late pressure from the Korean pair, Goh and Nur held their ground and sealed the final game 21-16 to secure the championship.

Kim and Seo entered the India Open fresh off their Malaysia Open title win, despite their strong form, they were unable to secure back-to-back championships, falling short against the resilient Malaysians.

Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen also made a strong statement in the men’s singles final, avenging his first-round loss to Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu at last week’s Malaysia Open. Axelsen dominated the rematch, winning 21-16, 21-8 to claim the India Open title.

After a disappointing start to the season at last week’s Malaysia Open, Axelsen’s commanding performance in India proves his resilience. The Olympic champion, who stumbled in the opening round of the Malaysia Open against the same opponent, rebounded to deliver a decisive victory in New Delhi.

This victory marks Axelsen’s third appearance in the India Open final and his third India Open title, having previously won in 2017, and 2019. He also reached the final in 2023 but finished as runner-up to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

Lee Cheuk Yiu, meanwhile, had to settle for his second consecutive runner-up finish at the India Open, having lost last year’s final to Shi Yuqi. Axelsen now leads their head-to-head series 7-2, further solidifying his dominance.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here