Malaysia’s professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani booked their place in the 2026 Japan Open semi-finals after overcoming a spirited challenge from American duo Chen Zhi Yi and Presley Smith in a hard-fought quarter-final on Friday.
The world No. 6 Malaysians were pushed all the way before sealing a 21-18, 15-21, 21-13 victory in 50 minutes, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record against the world No. 26 pair to 4-0.
Although Sze Fei and Izzuddin entered the match as favourites, the American pair refused to back down, matching the Malaysians with aggressive attacking play and relentless pressure.
After edging a tight opening game, the Malaysians saw their opponents respond strongly to level the contest by taking the second set.
However, Sze Fei and Izzuddin raised their intensity in the decider, controlling the rallies and pulling away comfortably to secure another semi-final appearance on the BWF World Tour.
Awaiting Sze Fei and Izzuddin in the semi-finals are world No. 1 and reigning world champions Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae of South Korea.
The Korean top seeds advanced comfortably after defeating Malaysia’s young pair Aaron Tai and Kang Khai Xing 21-13, 21-10 in just 33 minutes.
The upcoming encounter promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament. The head-to-head record between the two elite pairs currently stands at 2-2, although momentum favours the Malaysians after they defeated Kim and Seo in the Indonesia Open semi-finals last month.
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