Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has come to terms with the reality that Malaysia’s top men’s singles player is currently a player who doesn’t belong to the association, and the same situation is also true for the men’s doubles category.
Malaysia’s national men’s doubles coach, Tan Bin Shen, acknowledged the standout performances of professional pair World No. 8 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, stating that they are currently Malaysia’s best men’s doubles pair.
Although Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin didn’t qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, they officially left BAM last month and have since achieved impressive victories in the BWF World Tour events. Following their title at the Super 750 Japan Open, they continued to excel, winning both the China Open (Super 1000) and Arctic Open (Super 500) this month.
Despite Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the Olympic bronze medalists from Paris 2024, holding a higher world ranking at No. 6, Tan Bin Shen conceded that the current performances favor Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin.
“Not only in Malaysia but perhaps worldwide as well,” Tan Bin Shen commented when asked if Izzuddin and Goh are currently the best.
“They’ve capitalized on the opportunity very well among men’s doubles pairs who did not compete in Paris 2024.”
Tan Bin Shen acknowledged that the recent dip in Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s performances is partly due to injuries. He emphasized that if they want to regain their top status and qualify for the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, this December, they must push harder.
“After recovering from injuries, Aaron and Wooi Yik have competed in two tournaments (the Denmark and Arctic Opens), but it’s evident that they’re not yet at their peak.”
“While they deserved some rest after the intense Olympic preparations and competition in Paris, that period has now passed. I’m eager to see them return to top form,” Tan added.
