Coach believes Sze Fei-Izzuddin can qualify for Olympics
is probably a long shot but national men’s doubles head coach Paulus Firman still has big plans for Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
Since reaching the Malaysia Masters final in 2017, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have somehow fallen out of favour but Paulus believes the duo can still turn things around for themselves.
In fact, the Indonesian believes Sze FeiIzzuddin still stand a chance of qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics provided that they start performing.
“Prior to becoming the men’s doubles head coach, I didn’t know much about these two. However, after a few sessions with the pair, I began to realise that they were struggling with confidence.
“They were not going far in tournaments and this was affecting them.
“And like every other pair, they had to work on their communication, that is why I started sending them for smaller tournaments to build them up again.
“This year they started well (Thailand Masters semi-finalists), so let’s see in the next two tournaments — Spain Masters (Feb 19-24) and German Open (Feb 26-Mar 3). I want them to break into the top 30 this year,” said Paulus.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are ranked third in the country behind Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi.
Paulus added: “The pairs in the national team are of equal strength.
“All have a chance of qualifying for the Olympics. If Sze Fei-Izzuddin can make top 30, then they shouldn’t have any problems in playing in bigger tournaments like the World Tour Super 750 or even 1000,” added Paulus.
The one-year Olympic qualifying period starts in May.
A country can send two pairs for the Olympic Games provided both are ranked in the top eight.