KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are ready to continue their explosive run as an independent pair in Europe, starting tomorrow at the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland.
The World No. 8 have embraced their career shift with open minds, claiming victories at the Super 750 Japan Open and Super 1000 China Open, making them Malaysia's most successful pair on the World Tour this year.
Their coach, Rosman Razak, praised Sze Fei-Izzuddin's extraordinary achievement of winning two out of their last four events since turning professional.
Rosman said that while the transition from the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to an independent setup wasn't easy, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have taken it in stride.
The pair, accustomed to BAM's full support — including funds, training, and tournament services — are now adjusting to securing their own resources.
"Turning professional is challenging, but Sze Fei-Izzuddin's transition was smooth, largely due to their open-mindedness," said Rosman.
"They accepted the new circumstances and adapted quickly despite the limited support compared to what BAM provides.
"This attitude has been key to their early success on the world tour."
The duo's ability to thrive despite less-than-ideal facilities and resources has impressed many, and Rosman believes they can continue their success in Europe and beyond if they maintain a positive mindset.
Though Rosman is officially the coach of world No. 18 pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, he has also been assisting Sze Fei-Izzuddin, thanks to the camaraderie among the independent players.
"It's crucial for all independent pairs to help each other," said Rosman.
"It's not feasible for each pair to have their own coach, so joint training is helping them all progress together."
Other independent pairs, including Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub (World No. 40), Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong (No. 53), Boon Yin Xuan-Goh V. Shem (No. 75), and Lim Tze Jian-Wong Tien Ci (No. 97), are all part of this joint training effort.
At the Arctic Open, Sze Fei-Izzuddin will face Denmark's World No. 14 Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard in the first round.
Yew Sin-Ee Yi, aiming to improve on their China Open semi-final appearance, will take on Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vertergaard of Denmark.
World No. 5 Aaron Chia-Sooh Wooi Yik will also return to action after sitting out since the Paris Olympics in August due to the latter's toe injury.
They face China's world No. 22 Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi in their opening match.
Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 13) and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Ya Roy King (No. 32) will also compete in the men's doubles in Finland.
After the Arctic Open, the Malaysian pairs will head to the Denmark Open.