In a tournament packed with world-class badminton action, Malaysian men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani saw their title defense at the 2025 Japan Open end far sooner than expected. The reigning champions, who stormed to victory in 2024 with a blend of tactical sharpness and dynamic aggression, were eliminated in the early rounds this year in what can only be described as a stunning upset.
The result sent ripples through the badminton community, raising questions about the duo’s form, preparation, and ability to maintain consistency on the BWF World Tour. While early exits are not uncommon in high-stakes tournaments, the manner and context of this defeat have sparked serious introspection both within the Malaysian badminton setup and among fans who had pinned their hopes on a strong title defense.
This feature will explore the context of the defeat, the match breakdown, a look at the pairing’s recent form, their history as a duo, reactions from the badminton world, and what the future might hold for Sze Fei and Izzuddin.
A Look Back Triumph in 2024
Before delving into the disappointment of 2025, it’s important to revisit the highs of the previous year. At the 2024 Japan Open, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin delivered a memorable campaign that culminated in their first Super 750 title as a pair. Their blend of agility, court coverage, and crisp net play overwhelmed even the most seasoned opponents.
Defeating top-ranked pairs from China, Indonesia, and Denmark, the Malaysians earned praise for their fearless approach and excellent chemistry. It marked a comeback of sorts, as the duo had briefly split in 2023 due to inconsistency and communication issues before reuniting with renewed focus.
Their triumph in Tokyo was seen as a pivotal moment — a validation of their partnership and a sign that they were ready to challenge for more titles on the global stage.
Early Exit in 2025 What Went Wrong
Fast forward to 2025, and expectations were understandably high. Seeded sixth in the tournament, the Malaysian pair entered the Japan Open with a favorable draw and solid preparation, having recently reached the semifinals of the Indonesia Open and the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Masters.
However, their campaign came to an abrupt end in the Round of 32, where they were stunned by the unseeded Taiwanese duo of Lee Fang-Chih and Yang Po-Han. The scoreline — 18-21, 21-16, 17-21 — reflects a tightly contested battle, but one in which the Malaysians failed to impose their dominance.
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Key Issues in the Match
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- Slow Starts: Sze Fei and Izzuddin struggled to find their rhythm early, allowing the Taiwanese pair to dictate the pace.
- Lack of Variation: Their attacking strategy became predictable in key moments, with the Taiwanese effectively reading their smashes and cross-court drives.
- Unforced Errors: Critical mistakes at 17-all in the deciding game cost them dearly, with three successive points lost due to miscommunication and rushed play.
While the loss was narrow, it exposed cracks in the pair’s coordination — something that had been a lingering concern during their brief separation in 2023.
Form Coming Into the Tournament
Though the pair had a respectable year up to the Japan Open, they had not been in title-winning form. Their run in 2025 included:
- Semifinal finish at Indonesia Open
- Quarterfinal at Malaysia Masters
- Round of 16 at All England Open
- Group stage exit at the Asian Championships
Their inconsistent results suggest a team still searching for top gear. While their defense has improved, the cutting edge that defined their 2024 campaign seems to have dulled.
Moreover, the resurgence of other Malaysian pairs like Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and the emergence of new talent have added internal pressure. Sze Fei and Izzuddin are no longer the sole torchbearers of Malaysian men’s doubles, and with Olympic qualification points on the line, every match carries added weight.
Reaction from Coaches and Analysts
Malaysian national doubles coach Rexy Mainaky acknowledged the disappointment but urged calm.
“They are still among our best pairs. One match doesn’t define their year. But yes, this was a chance to build momentum and they missed it. We’ll go back and review the tactical choices made during the match.”
Former world champion and analyst Choong Tan Fook commented on the mental aspect:
“This isn’t just about technique. When you’re defending a title, there’s pressure. It seemed like they were playing to avoid losing rather than to win. That shift in mindset makes a huge difference.”
Indeed, the burden of expectations — from fans, media, and within their own team — may have weighed heavily.
Public and Fan Reactions
Malaysian badminton fans are among the most passionate in the world. Social media was flooded with reactions — some sympathetic, others critical.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #SzeFeiIzzuddin trended in Malaysia within hours of the defeat. While many lauded their fighting spirit, others voiced concern about their inability to close tight matches.
One user wrote:
“Disappointed, yes. But they’re still young. Let’s not throw them under the bus. Keep supporting!”
Another fan noted:
“They need a sports psychologist. When it gets close, they panic. Same story in several matches this year.”
These responses reflect a fanbase that believes in the pair’s potential but is growing frustrated by recurring inconsistencies.
The Chemistry Question Still an Issue
A major theme in their journey has been chemistry. The 2023 split was reportedly due to communication issues and differences in playing style. While they eventually reconciled and had a dream run in 2024, cracks have reappeared in recent matches.
In the post-match interview following the Japan Open loss, Izzuddin was candid:
“We weren’t on the same page today. I take responsibility for some of the errors. We need to rebuild the trust and understanding on court.”
Such honesty is refreshing, but also indicative of the challenges they still face in maintaining synergy. In doubles badminton, coordination, intuition, and anticipation of your partner’s next move are everything. Even the smallest disconnect can lead to costly mistakes at the elite level.
Comparing With Other Malaysian Pairs
When compared with the trajectory of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the 2022 World Champions, the contrast becomes clear. Chia-Soh have built a stable partnership over the years, and while they too have had lean periods, their ability to bounce back and stay united under pressure has been commendable.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin, on the other hand, have moments of brilliance interspersed with lapses in form. Unless they address this cycle, their long-term competitiveness could be jeopardized.
Road Ahead What’s Next for the Duo
Despite the disappointment, the badminton calendar offers no time for extended mourning. The BWF World Tour continues, and the pair will have opportunities to redeem themselves.
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Upcoming Tournaments
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- China Open (Super 1000)
- Denmark Open (Super 750)
- French Open
- World Tour Finals (If qualified)
These tournaments will be crucial not only for ranking points but also for psychological recovery. A strong finish to the season could restore confidence heading into 2026, which will be vital with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics now firmly in sight.
Additionally, a renewed focus on:
- Match simulation
- Psychological training
- Communication drills
…could help the pair rediscover the fluidity that once made them one of the most dangerous pairs in the game.
Legacy in the Making or Missed Opportunity
At 28 and 27 years old respectively, Sze Fei and Izzuddin are entering their peak years. The window to achieve greatness is still open — but not indefinitely. The Japan Open loss serves as both a reality check and a call to action.
They’ve shown they can win big titles. They’ve shown resilience in coming back from splits. Now, the question is whether they can evolve — mentally, tactically, and emotionally — to become consistent forces on the world stage.
The badminton world has seen many duos rise quickly and fall just as fast. But it has also seen pairs like Indonesia’s Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan or China’s Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng, who reinvented themselves and endured. Which path Sze Fei and Izzuddin choose remains to be seen.
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