In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Swiss Open, Malaysia’s top men’s doubles badminton pairs faced an unexpected and early exit in Basel, Switzerland. What was anticipated as a strong showing for the powerhouse nation in men’s doubles turned into a weekend of disappointment as all three pairs failed to progress past the early rounds.
The most eye-opening result came when world No. 2 pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, the tournament’s top seeds, were knocked out by Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita. Ranked 76th in the world, the Japanese pair pulled off a gritty and composed performance to stun the Malaysian favorites 23-25, 21-15, 11-21 in a 50-minute match that left fans and analysts baffled.
The Match That Shocked the Court
The opening game saw Goh and Izzuddin take a narrow 25-23 win, displaying their familiar aggressive style and tight net play. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the second game. The Japanese duo began targeting Izzuddin’s backcourt movement and applied constant pressure at the net. They took the second game 21-15, outmaneuvering the Malaysians and forcing them into uncharacteristic errors.
In the decider, Midorikawa and Yamashita dominated from the outset. Goh and Izzuddin appeared rattled, losing rhythm and coordination. The 11-21 scoreline reflected a complete breakdown in their communication and execution. It was a bitter loss for the Malaysians, who had been aiming to secure valuable ranking points and momentum ahead of the Olympic qualification period.
Other Malaysian Pairs Follow Suit
The bad news didn’t stop there. The pair of Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, known for their quick transitions and high tempo, also bowed out early. Facing China’s unseeded but fast-rising duo, the Malaysians faltered in straight sets. Their inability to adapt tactically to the Chinese pair’s flat drives and mid-court dominance was glaring.
Meanwhile, the experienced duo of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, once top ten regulars, failed to rekindle their past chemistry. Matched against a disciplined Danish pair, they were outplayed in key moments, unable to capitalize on crucial game points and faltered under pressure.
National Reactions and Disappointment
Back home in Malaysia, the reaction from fans and officials was a mixture of shock and concern. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) released a statement acknowledging the poor results and committing to a thorough review.
“The Swiss Open was a wake-up call. We will analyze the matches in detail and make necessary adjustments. Our players have the potential, but consistent performance is key,” said BAM’s coaching director.
Fans flooded social media with a spectrum of emotions, from sympathy to frustration. Many pointed to the players’ lack of adaptability and questioned whether the current doubles strategy needs a complete overhaul.
Goh and Izzuddin Under the Microscope
As the highest-ranked Malaysian pair, Goh and Izzuddin were under intense scrutiny. Their loss to a much lower-ranked Japanese pair has ignited debates about their long-term viability as Olympic medal contenders.
Former national coach and analyst Rashid Sidek weighed in, stating, “Talent is not the issue here. It’s mental toughness and strategy. Goh and Izzuddin have been inconsistent this year. Losing to world No. 76 is unacceptable at their level.”
There are also murmurs about their preparation. With several tournaments in quick succession, questions have been raised about the physical toll on players and the quality of their tactical prep.
The Japanese Surprise Package
On the other side of the net, Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita have suddenly become the dark horses of the tournament. Their poise, determination, and smart play against the top seeds suggest that they are not just lucky underdogs but genuine threats.
Japanese doubles badminton has seen a renaissance in recent years, thanks to improved grassroots development and investment in international exposure. This win in Basel could mark the beginning of a strong partnership for the duo, and their progress will be closely monitored.
What Went Wrong for Malaysia
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Complacency in Preparation
Analysts believe that Malaysia’s pairs may have underestimated their opponents. The Japanese and other unseeded pairs came in hungry and prepared, while the Malaysians seemed to rely heavily on their rankings and past accolades.
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Lack of Tactical Flexibility
Malaysia’s doubles strategy has long relied on speed and aggression. However, modern badminton requires in-game tactical shifts. The failure to switch strategies mid-match contributed heavily to the losses.
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Mental Fragility Under Pressure
Even seasoned players like Ong and Teo buckled during crucial rallies. Pressure moments were not handled with the composure expected of experienced shuttlers.
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Fitness and Fatigue
Continuous travel and back-to-back tournaments may have taken a toll. Goh, in particular, seemed to struggle with stamina during the deciding game.
The Road Ahead
This early exit is not the end of the road, but it does necessitate introspection and recalibration. With the Paris Olympics approaching and several other major tournaments on the calendar, the Malaysian contingent must regroup quickly.
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Focus on Sports Psychology
Mental resilience is becoming as important as technical skill. Investing in psychological coaching and mental conditioning could give Malaysian players the edge in tight situations.
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Data-Driven Match Analysis
Adopting advanced analytics to study opponents and refine strategies should be a priority. Other nations are already leveraging data science in badminton training and match planning.
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Rotational Pairing and Trials
It may be time to experiment with new pairings to find the best chemistry and adaptability. Young talent in the BAM pipeline could be given more exposure.
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Coaching Revamp
Bringing in international coaching expertise or adopting a hybrid model could inject fresh ideas and elevate performance levels.
Voices from the Court
Speaking after the defeat, Goh admitted, “We didn’t play our best. Credit to our opponents, they were sharper and more focused. We need to go back and fix our weaknesses.”
Teo Ee Yi was visibly disappointed but offered a hopeful note: “We still have tournaments ahead. This loss hurts, but it will motivate us to work harder.”
Man Wei Chong echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for consistency: “One good tournament doesn’t mean much if we can’t back it up. We’ll be better.”
Fans Still Hopeful
Despite the disappointment, many Malaysian fans remain loyal and hopeful. Social media hashtags like #BangkitMalaysia and #RoadToParis started trending, as supporters encouraged the shuttlers to bounce back.
Sports columnist and badminton enthusiast Adam Mokhtar summed it up well: “This was a setback, not a disaster. We’ve seen Malaysian badminton rise from worse. With the right attitude and adjustments, the future can still be bright.”
Also Read:
- SBOTOP: Hannah Yeoh Calls for Early Preparation and Growth Mindset After Malaysia’s Setback at All England
- SBOTOP: Shi Yuqi Rallies Past Loh Kean Yew to Set Up All-Chinese Semifinal Showdown with Li Shifeng at All England Open
- SBOTOP: Shi Yuqi Triumphs in Epic Semifinal to Secure Fourth All England Final Appearance
