KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei will have some explaining to do as their poor form continued at the Super 500 Indonesia Masters.
The Malaysians were sent packing in the first round today.
In what was a winnable match on paper, the world No. 21 Izzuddin-Sze Fei were stunned 14-21, 21-14, 21-18 by Thailand's world No. 47 Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsanga at Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
The result was certainly disappointing, given that Izzuddin-Sze Fei defeated the Thais in the Abu Dhabi Masters final in October last year.
Despite winning three World Tour titles in the second half of last year, including the US Open and Kaoshiung Masters, Izzuddin-Sze Fei have not been able to show competitiveness in tournaments rated Super 500 and higher.
The Indonesia Masters exit marked the fifth straight tournament where Izzuddin-Sze Fei failed to progress beyond the last 16.
Meanwhile, compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun shrugged off a slow start to fend off a stiff challenge from Denmark's Andreas Sondergaard-Jesper Toft.
The world No. 19 needed 52 minutes to see off the world No. 51, winning 17-21, 21-10, 21-14.
The win sets up the next meeting with Indonesia's world No. 7 Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto.