As the Japan Open 2025 kicks off in Tokyo, Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, are not just preparing for a fight against global competition—they may have to overcome their most formidable challenge from within their own national team.
Standing in their way is another elite Malaysian pair: Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the red-hot duo currently riding a wave of victories across Asia. With both pairs ranked among the world’s best, the badminton world is buzzing with the potential of an all-Malaysian final, which could showcase the nation’s dominance in men’s doubles.
Aaron-Wooi Yik Threaten to Dethrone the Defending Champions
World No. 1 Sze Fei-Izzuddin enter the Super 750 tournament as the reigning champions. However, their performance has seen a dip since their triumphant run at the India Open in January 2025. Since then, they’ve yet to claim another title on the BWF World Tour, raising concerns about their consistency heading into one of the season’s biggest tournaments.
In contrast, Aaron-Wooi Yik are on a blistering run. The world No. 2 pair have racked up impressive victories this year, clinching the Asian Championships, Thailand Open, and Singapore Open—solidifying their reputation as one of the most in-form pairs on the circuit.
With just over a 1,200-point gap separating the two pairs in the world rankings—Sze Fei-Izzuddin at 91,090 and Aaron-Wooi Yik at 89,870—the Japan Open may well determine who will carry the No. 1 crown heading into the World Championships in August.
National Legend Predicts Historic All-Malaysian Final
Datuk Razif Sidek, a former Japan Open champion in 1986 alongside Datuk Seri Jalani, expressed his excitement about the possibility of an all-Malaysian final.
“The Japan Open this year features a world-class lineup, and seeing two Malaysian pairs possibly meeting in the final would be a proud moment for our country,” said Razif.
“If Sze Fei-Izzuddin successfully defend their title, they preserve their No. 1 status. If not, Aaron-Wooi Yik can overtake them. Either way, it’s a win for Malaysia.”
Razif emphasized that such a high-stakes clash, especially against a backdrop of stiff competition from China, Japan, and South Korea, would be an ideal preparation for the 2025 World Championships.
Challenging Draws Await Both Pairs
For Sze Fei and Izzuddin, the early rounds look manageable. They begin their title defense against Canada’s world No. 66 pair Kevin Lee and Ty Alexander Lindemann. However, the real challenge is expected in the semifinals, where they may face either Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen or China’s Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi, currently ranked world No. 11.
Meanwhile, Aaron-Wooi Yik have a more treacherous path ahead. Their first-round match is already a tough one—a derby clash against fellow Malaysians Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, ranked world No. 30. A win there could set up a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown against either China’s Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang (world No. 6) or India’s No. 15-ranked pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty.
If they make it to the semifinals, Aaron-Wooi Yik might encounter more heavyweights such as South Korea’s Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae (world No. 3) or Japan’s top duo Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi (world No. 16)—a potential clash sure to electrify the home crowd.
Tokyo Memories: Can Aaron-Wooi Yik Recapture Past Glory?
Tokyo holds a special place in Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s journey. It was here at the Metropolitan Gymnasium that they captured the 2022 BWF World Championship, making history as Malaysia’s first-ever world champions in men’s doubles.
They now return to the same venue, hoping to reignite that spark and add another major title to their growing legacy. With their current form and momentum, the duo is seen as a strong contender to dethrone Sze Fei-Izzuddin.
All Eyes on Malaysia’s Finest
With both top Malaysian pairs on a collision course in Tokyo, the Japan Open 2025 has transformed into a potential battleground for domestic supremacy. An all-Malaysian final wouldn’t just be a milestone—it would serve as a testament to the strength of Malaysian badminton’s development system, especially in men’s doubles.
Regardless of who emerges victorious, Malaysia is guaranteed to shine on one of badminton’s biggest stages.
ALSO READ :
- SBOTOP: LeBron James Remains Silent on Future with Los Angeles Lakers Amid Contract Speculations
- SBOTOP: Darren Fletcher Departs from Ruben Amorim’s Staff to Take Charge of Manchester United U-18 Team
- SBOTOP: Pablo Torre Officially Signs with Real Mallorca, Says Goodbye to Barcelona in Farewell Message
