Malaysia’s top men’s doubles pair, Nur Izzuddin and Goh Sze Fei, silenced their critics and bounced back in style at the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) with a commanding straight-set victory over Japan’s formidable duo Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi.
Playing on Court Two, the world number two pair displayed renewed energy and determination as they dismantled the Japanese team 21-18, 21-16 in just 37 minutes, punching their ticket to the second round in spectacular fashion.
Coming into the tournament after early exits in England and Switzerland, Izzuddin-Sze Fei were under pressure to regain their rhythm. Their draw against Hoki-Kobayashi—who held a 3-1 winning record in previous encounters—was seen as a tough test. But the Malaysian pair rose to the occasion.
The opening set was closely contested, with both sides trading points in a high-tempo exchange. However, Izzuddin-Sze Fei seized control, going into the break with an 11-9 lead before holding off a late Japanese surge to claim the set.
The second set followed a similar script. Locked at 8-8, the Malaysians unleashed a blistering run, capitalizing on aggressive net play and clever court coverage. Their consistency under pressure saw them fend off Hoki-Kobayashi’s advances and wrap up the match in straight games.
“It was an important win for us,” said Izzuddin post-match. “We knew we had to step up and prove ourselves after a difficult few weeks. Beating a strong pair like Hoki and Kobayashi gives us confidence going forward.”
With this crucial win, Izzuddin-Sze Fei advance to the second round, where they are set to face either a Thai or Bangladeshi pair in their next challenge.
Credit Photo : Badminton Asia
