KUALA LUMPUR: The lack of quality training and sparring has often hampered the progress of shuttlers after they leave the national setup.
However, newly crowned China Open champions Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani's rise is a welcome boost, giving hope to players taking the professional route.
World No. 12 Sze Fei-Izzuddin won their biggest title to date — a Super 1000 tournament in Changzhou on Sunday — just a month after their triumph at the Japan Open, a Super 750 tournament.
The pair, now sponsored by Victor, left the national setup on Sept 1.
Another independent duo, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, had some success after departing from the BA of Malaysia (BAM) in 2022. However, they struggled to maintain their performance against top-10 pairs largely due to a lack of quality sparring.
World No. 23 Yew Sin-Ee Yi, however, showed signs of rediscovering their form with a semi-final finish at the China Open, indicating that the sparring sessions with Sze-Izzuddin benefitted them.
In 2017, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, the 2016 Rio Olympic silver medallists, turned professional but struggled to maintain their top-10 status due to the absence of quality sparring partners.
Independent doubles coach Rosman Razak, who guides professional pairs, believes Yew Sin-Ee Yi and Sze Fei-Izzuddin can complement each other and continue producing results.
"Sze Fei-Izzuddin's presence is positive for the independent pairs. Not just for Yew Sin-Ee Yi, but I believe everyone will benefit from sparring with them," said Rosman.
"As an independent team, the pairs have to help and push each other to maximise their potential."
Meanwhile, V Shem and Wee Kiong have parted ways, each teaming up with new partners.
V Shem is now partnering with Boon Xin Yuan, while Wee Kiong is teaming up with Nur Azryn Ayub.
The other top professional pairs include Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong and Lim Tze Jian-Wong Tien Ci.
However, the progress of Sze Fei-Izzuddin, alongside Yew Sin and Ee Yi, suggests they might soon challenge BAM pairs.
Among those in the national squad are world No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (world No. 13), Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri (No. 18), and Wan Arif Junaidi-Ya Roy King (No. 41).
Setting pride and ego aside, this competition could be good for Malaysian badminton pairs, allowing them to make their presence felt on the World Tour.