KUALA LUMPUR: National men's pair Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri's meteoric rise has led to them reaching their career-best world No. 20 ranking.
They jumped six rungs, thanks to a semi-final run at the Australian Open before losing to Chna's eventual champions Ren Xiang Yu-He Ji Ting in Sydney last week.
Hon Jian-Haikal's progress is remarkable, considering that they are just 10 months into their partnership.
During this period, they show their potential by winning three titles from four finals on the World Tour.
Hon Jian-Haikal's notable wins were at the Syed Modi International in December last year and Orleans Masters in March this year.
Hon Jian-Haikal's rise means there are now five Malaysian pairs in the world's top 20. Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are No. 5, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei (13th), Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (16th) and professional duo Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (18th).
Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King are also trending in the right direction as they edge closer to the top 32, after rising three spots to No. 34.
Reaching the top 32 will make them eligible for top-tier tournaments on the World Tour, and this augurs well for the Malaysian men's doubles department.