Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani’s pursuit of a World Tour Finals berth remains alive after the Malaysian pair advanced to the semi-finals of the Kumamoto Masters on Friday.
The world No. 4 pair battled past Taiwan’s world No. 12 duo Lee Jhe Huei–Yang Po Hsuan, sealing a hard-fought 21-16, 10-21, 21-16 victory in 46 minutes.
With the win, Sze Fei–Izzuddin remain the only Malaysian men’s doubles pair left in contention in Japan.
Elsewhere, Malaysia suffered two more exits in the quarter-finals:
- Wan Arif Junaidi–Yap Roy King (world No. 20) fell 21-19, 21-14 to Japan’s world No. 29 Hiroki Midorikawa–Kyohei Yamashita.
- Choong Hon Jian–Haikal Nazri (world No. 37) lost 21-16, 21-16 to Taiwan’s world No. 18 Chiu Hsiang Chieh–Wang Chi Lin.
Sze Fei–Izzuddin now face a challenging semi-final against Midorikawa–Yamashita, who have impressed with a giant-killing run that has included victories over three Malaysian pairs:
- World No. 5 Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun
- World No. 27 Ong Yew Sin–Teo Ee Yi
- Wan Arif–Roy King
The Japanese pair are coached by Malaysian men’s doubles head coach Lee Wan Wah, who acknowledged the strong form of his players but believes Sze Fei–Izzuddin remain favourites.
“I’m impressed with Midorikawa–Yamashita, but Sze Fei–Izzuddin are still the favourites,” said Wan Wah.
“They’ve played well lately but have struggled to finish tight matches.”
The head-to-head between the two pairs sits at 1–1, with the Japanese pair having beaten Sze Fei–Izzuddin in straight games at the Japan Open in July.
With the World Tour Finals race tightening, a victory in Kumamoto could be decisive for the Malaysian pair’s qualification hopes.
