Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were pushed to the limit before securing a hard-fought victory in the opening round of the Singapore Open this evening.
The world No. 8 duo needed 51 minutes to overcome Taiwan’s newly-formed partnership of Chen Cheng Kuan and Liu Kuang Heng in a thrilling three-game battle, winning 21-18, 10-21, 21-19.
Despite being heavy favourites against the world No. 235 Taiwanese pair, the Malaysians were forced to dig deep after losing momentum in the second game before bouncing back in the decider.
Their victory has now set up an all-Malaysian showdown in the last 16 against compatriots Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King.
The world No. 17 pair booked their spot in the second round after defeating Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Takumi Nomura in straight games, 21-12, 21-19, in just 31 minutes.
With both Malaysian pairs set to face each other next, Malaysia is now guaranteed at least one spot in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles event.
Other Malaysian representatives who successfully advanced to the second round include men’s doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing.
In the women’s doubles category, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah also progressed to the next stage.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s mixed doubles challenge remains alive through Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei as well as Jimmy Wong and Cheng Su Yin, who both advanced into the second round.
