KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 12 men's pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin have a golden chance to shed their underachievers' tag - win tomorrow's Japan Open final.
Following their decision to turn professional next month, Sze Fei-Izzuddin can attract potential sponsors b defeating South Korean world champions Kang Min Hyuk-Seo Seung Jae in Yokohama.
The match is expected to be evenly contested, given the 2-2 head-to-head record between the pairs.
However, Sze Fei-Izzuddin may have a slight edge, having won their most recent encounter at the Asian Championships in China last April.
If victorious, Sze Fei-Izzuddin would become only the fourth Malaysian pair to win the Japan Open since its inception in 1982 after Razif-Jalani Sidek (1986), Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock (1998), and Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng (2002).
After defeating Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando-Bagas Maulana 21-19, 21-17 in the semi-finals, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have already earned US$29,750 (RM130,000) in prize money.
A win in the final would double that amount to US$62,900 (RM275,000), providing a solid financial foundation as they begin their professional careers on Sept 1.
As the Malaysian duo look to win the biggest title of their careers, Sze Fei said: "Of course we're happy, but there's still another match tomorrow. We need to stay focused.
"We're aware of the fans' expectations back home. We'll take that as motivation rather than pressure."
Izzuddin believes in their ability to overcome the more illustrious Min Hyuk-Seung Jae.
"We just have to believe in ourselves," he said.
First paired in 2016 by then-head coach Cheah Soon Kit, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are one of the longest-lasting men's doubles partnerships in the world.
Now in their ninth year together, they have secured two career-best Super 300 titles, including the 2022 German Open. Recent performances, including a runner-up finish at the Asian Championships and an inspiring run to help Malaysia reach the Thomas Cup semi-finals, suggest they may come good finally.