KUALA LUMPUR: The meteoric rise of Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the past six months has created healthy rivalry between the independent pair and national men's doubles led by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
World No. 2 Sze Fei-Izzuddin have prolifically won four titles - Japan Open, China Open, Arctic Open and India Open Super - over the period.
While national men's doubles coach Herry IP hailed Sze Fei-Izzuddin's rise, he urged the national pairs to maintain competitive edge ahead of their professional compatriots.
During the last six months, world No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Woi Yik won only the Korea Masters last November while world No. 12 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun bagged the Indonesia Masters last week.
"My focus is always on the national pairs as I'm employed by BAM. However, it is a healthy competition between the two set-ups," said Herry today.
"The fact that the professional pair (Sze Fei-Izzuddin) are doing well will keep the national pairs on their toes, and we have to be wary of their threat in competitions."
Herry, 63, who is no stranger to rivalry between professionals and the national set-up during his time as Indonesia men's doubles coach, has always encouraged strong competition.
Herry, however, kept mum on the possibility of Sze Fei-Izzuddin and the national pairs having joint-training.
"The joint training or sparring is something that should be the call from national coaching director Rexy (Mainaky) or the management. I will follow their directive on this," added Herry.
Independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Te Ee Yi (world No. 29) used to spar with the national players in 2023, but stopped after several weeks due to other commitments. Sze Fei-Izzuddin have never attended sparring sessions with the national team as they are more comfortable training under Teo Kok Siang.