Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Goh Sze Fei out to clear the first round in the All-England. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are out to turn their nightmare in the All-England into a glorious outing.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have never won a match in the prestigious competition so far, losing three times in the first round in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
The independent pair though are in the form of their lives and had a longer time to prepare for the competition from March 11-16 in Birmingham since winning the Indian Open in January and are keen to make their mark.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who are currently ranked No. 2 in the world, are fresh and raring to go again after skipping the Indonesian Masters and were not called up for the Asia Mixed Team Championships last week.
"We had a longer time to train ahead of the All-England and our preparations have been solid," said Sze Fei after a training session at the Pioneer Badminton Centre in Endah Parade yesterday.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are one of the favourites for the title after capturing the China Open, Japan Open, Arctic Open along with the title in India since last August.
The pair also finished runners-up in their maiden appearance in the World Tour Finals last December.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin though are taking a cautious approach and do not want to put undue pressure on themselves.
"After the Indian Open, we are going to start fresh again and fight for our country. For us, our performance is most important," said Sze Fei.
"Every opponent is very strong and it all depends on our preparations and performance in court."
Malaysia have not had a winner in the men's doubles in the All-England since Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong emerged champions in 2007.
This edition could be the country's best chance to end the 18-year title drought in the event with world No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 11 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also in the fray.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have come closest to capturing the crown recently when they finished runners-up twice in 2019 and 2024.
2021 men's singles champion Lee Zii Jia is the last Malaysian to win the title.
The draw for the tournament will be released on March 4.
