KUALA LUMPUR: Men's pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani clinched their career-biggest badminton title at the Japan Open today as they prepare to become independent players.
The World No. 12 Malaysians outplayed reigning world champions Kang Min Hyuk-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea 21-19, 21-15 in the final at Yokohama Arena.
This triumph marks their first Super 750 or higher-rated tournament win, surpassing their previous four World Tour titles which included German Open Super 300 in 2022 and US Open Super 300 last year.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin's victory is particularly significant as they become the first Malaysian shuttlers to win a Super 750 or higher-rated tournament this year.
Their Japan Open success came just days after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) council granted them permission to turn professional, effective Sept 1.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin dedicated their win to former BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, acknowledging his support throughout their careers.
When Sze Fei-Izzuddin reunited after a brief split last year, Norza shared an Instagram post captioned: "One team, once again! They are back."
"Definitely very happy, and we want to dedicate this title with a special thanks to our former president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, for believing in us no matter what," Sze Fei said in a post-match interview with BWF.
Their victory not only earned them US$62,900 (RM275,000) but also 11,000 world ranking points, potentially propelling them into the top 10 when the rankings are updated.
And this has whetted Izzuddin's appetite to set the bar higher.
"We came here wanting to do our best, and today we managed to win the tournament. I'm very proud of both of us," said Izzuddin.
"This win has boosted our confidence to aim for the world's top five. We'll keep focusing on improving our on-court communication."
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are the first Malaysian shuttlers to win the Japan Open since Lee Chong Wei in 2016. In men's doubles, they join an elite group of Malaysian champions, including Razif- Jalani Sidek (1986), Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock (1998), and Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng (2002).
As they prepare for their final tournament as national players at the upcoming Korea Open, all eyes will be on Sze Fei-Izzuddin to see if they can maintain their winning form.