KUALA LUMPUR: In terms of performance, the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, will go down as one of the best outings for Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
From the get-go, the world No. 19 men's pair went on a giant-killing spree, scalping the likes of world champions Kang Min Hyuk-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea, Olympic champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan, and Malaysia's No. 1 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, en route to the final.
However, there was no icing on the cake as Sze Fei-Izzuddin's valiant run came to an end in the title decider, at the hands of China's world No. 3 Liang Wei Keng-Wang.
Buoyed by the local fans at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre, the homesters won 21-17, 15-21, 21-10.
Surely, there will be heartbreak for the Malaysian camp, as this is the third consecutive time since 2022 that a Malaysian men's pair had to settle for second best.
But on the bright side, Sze Fei-Izzuddin's new found form could be the tonic needed for Malaysian men's doubles to push forward.
Former doubles ace, Tan Boon Heong, believes Malaysia's men's doubles is progressing well. "This is very good because we now have a few strong men's doubles pairs in the national team.
"I'm also happy because Sze Fei-Izzuddin have finally woken up from their slumber and are currently in form.
"We must capitalise on this. Use it to our advantage at the Thomas Cup," said Boon Heong, who won the 2006 Asian Games gold with Koo Kien Keat.
Last season was a tough one for Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who were even temporarily split up by BAM, to test other combinations.
But the duo reunited a few months later, and are now enjoying the fruits of their labours.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are also expected to climb a few spots up the world rankings this week.
