Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were unable to retain their Japan Open crown, falling in straight games to South Korea’s formidable world No. 3 pair, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, in the final at Tokyo’s Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sunday.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin struggled to match the pace and precision of the Korean duo, eventually succumbing 14-21, 17-21 in a 37-minute battle. The defeat marked their second loss to Kim and Seo in three career meetings, further underlining the Koreans’ dominance on the big stage.
Despite the setback, the Malaysians walked away with US$33,250 (RM141,180) as runners-up, while Kim and Seo claimed the winner’s prize of US$70,300 (RM298,500) in the BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament.
The loss added to a disappointing day for Malaysian badminton, following Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah’s defeat to China’s top-ranked Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning in the women’s doubles final, also in straight sets.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin, who lifted four World Tour titles in 2024, have found success harder to come by this season. Their sole triumph so far was at the India Open, another Super 750 event, back in January. With the season still in full swing, the pair will now regroup and refocus as they aim to reclaim their top form in the upcoming tournaments.
Credit Photo : Harian Metro
