Malaysia’s professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin endured a heart-stopping battle before finally sealing their place in the SATHIO GROUP Australia Open 2025 semi-finals moments ago.
The world No.4 duo were pushed to the limit in a gruelling 69-minute showdown before overcoming the Korean–Malaysian pair Choi Sol Gyu–Goh V Shem, ranked No.57 in the world, with a dramatic 21-13, 20-22, 22-20 win at Sydney Olympic Park.
Sze Fei–Izzuddin started strongly, taking the first set 21-13 and coming within a point of finishing the match in straight sets, leading 21-19 in the second.
However, Sol Gyu–V Shem roared back to force 20-20, stealing the set 22-20 to push the match into a decider.
The third set was another nerve-wrecking contest. Once again, the Malaysians led 20-18, only to be dragged back to 20-20.
This time, Sze Fei–Izzuddin held their composure, shutting the door with a clutch 22-20 finish to secure a precious victory.
Their win sets up a semi-final showdown against Indonesia’s rising pair Raymond Indra–Nikolaus Joaquin, who earlier defeated fellow Malaysians Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun 21-15, 19-21, 21-15.
The semi-final qualification comes at a crucial moment, as Sze Fei–Izzuddin are on a mission to close the 2025 season with a strong finish after missing out on a spot at next month’s BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou.
This year hasn’t gone entirely to plan for the pair.
Despite beginning the season brilliantly with the India Open title in January, their momentum dipped in the months that followed, costing them a place in the prestigious year-end finale.
Last year, they were one of the world’s most dominant pairs — winning three major titles (Japan Open, China Open, Arctic Open) and finishing runners-up at the World Tour Finals, a run that sent them to world No.1 in May.
Credit Photo : AFP
