Sensational: Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani celebrate after defeating Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto of Indonesia in the men’s doubles semi-finals at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou. — AP
PETALING JAYA: Without a doubt, it is one of Malaysia’s best years in badminton.
This year, both the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and professionals contributed two bronze medals at the Paris Olympic Games and entered 20 finals in prominent World Tour tournaments.
They won 10 Open titles.
Malaysia’s men team led by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik also bagged the silver in the Asian Team Championships in February.
Aaron-Wooi Yik and Lee Zii Jia saved the blushes by winning the bronze medals at the men’s doubles and singles events in the Paris Games.
ALSO READ: SMASHING SHOW
Out of them all, professionals Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were the biggest stars as they entered five finals and won at the China Open, Japan Open and Arctic Open in Finland.
The last time, Malaysia enjoyed a high was in 2016 when the BA of Malaysia players won three silvers at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Before that, former singles legend Lee Chong Wei used to single-handedly dominate the world badminton circuit. In fact, from 2009 to 2013, it’s norm for Chong Wei to enter nine to 10 finals. In fact, he had at least won more than five titles in every year during his peak time.
Chong Wei is proud of the Malaysian shuttlers.
“What a good year it has been for Malaysia and surely, this will motivate the players to achieve more. I’m looking forward to seeing them step up next year,” said the three-time Olympic Games silver medal winner.
Chong Wei is pleased to see the growth of Sze Fei-Izzuddin.
“They have been the most consistent pairs this year. They went separate ways and returned as a pair. They left the BAM this year (August) but continued to show their zeal and hunger to win,” said Chong Wei.
“Players like this inspire others. They are showing the right character and attitude.
The rise of Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei from scratch just in two years has made Chong Wei smile too.
“They made us all proud at the World Tour Finals with their gutsy performance. They only lost out to the Olympic Games champions (Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong) for lacking in experience. They have a good future ahead.
While glad that Malaysia won bronze medals through Lee Zii Jia and Aaron-Wooi Yik at the Paris Olympics, Chong Wei had praises also for Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah for reaching the semis.
“It’s the first time that a women’s pair had reached the last four in Olympics. Their form had not been consistent since then although they won the Hong Kong Open,” he said.
“I just hope they will mend whatever issues that they have to bounce back stronger next year.”
Chong Wei also felt that Leong Jun Hao has shown the most improvement in the men’s singles although the latter has yet to win a title.
“He defeated a few top players this year, and has been playing bravely in bigger tournaments. I see great potential in him,” said Chong Wei.
“With Justin Hoh and Ng Tze Yong - depending on his form, and Eogene Ewe, we should be challenging for honours next year. Also I hope Zii Jia will recover from his ankle injury (picked up at the Finals) to mount a strong challenge next year,” he added.
The first big tournament next year is the Malaysian Open from Jan 7-12, and the 12-time home champion Chong Wei will be hoping for someone to end the country’s seven-year wait. Chong Wei was the last winner in 2018.
