KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani reignited their semi-final hopes at the World Tour Finals (WTF) by overcoming Taiwan's world No. 10 Lee Jhe Huey-Yang Po Hsuan in Hangzhou today.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin did it the hard way, but the 15-21, 21-19, 21-13 win in 52 minutes was enough for them to stay afloat in Group A.
Sze Fei battled cramps during the three-game defeat against world No. 2 Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark on Wednesday, and he didn't fully recover for the clash against the Taiwan pair.
However, Izzuddin was there to cover for the wobbling Sze Fei as the Malaysians managed to continue fighting to reach the knock-out stage.
"My condition is not the best right now but all credit to Izzuddin who was there to cover for me in the match," said Sze Fei.
They will need to beat Paris Olympic champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan tomorrow to advance to the semi-finals.
Lee Yang-Chi Lin, who had beaten compatriots Jhe Huey-Po Hsuan in their opening match on Wednesday, lost 13-21, 21-19, 21-19 to Astrup-Rasmussen in another match.
"We are playing the Olympic champions and we have to be well prepared and just do our best," said Izzuddin.
The Malaysians' record against Lee Yang-Chi Lin is tied at 2-2, but Sze Fei's condition will be a concern in the do-or-die match tomorrow.