SZE FEI-IZZUDDIN IN FIGHTING MOOD

Fourth-ranked pair to battle for Thomas Cup spot

NATIONAL men’s doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani must up their game if they hope to earn a spot in the Thomas Cup squad.

Following the BA of Malaysia's (BAM) decision to invite independent players to join the national squad's training this week, Sze Fei-Izzuddin will not only have to fight against their teammates and World No 9 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, but also 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong (World No 14) and 15th-ranked Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi.

On paper, Sze Fei-Izzuddin are the fourth-ranked pair in the country, but they can still impress the coaches to earn the final spot.

Only three pairs will be named for the tournament, scheduled on Oct 3-11 in Denmark.

“We are aware that V Shem-Wee Kiong and Yew Sin-Ee Yi are ranked higher than us, but we cannot just give up based on that.

“The coaches have yet to decide on the squad which means we have every chance to fight for a place.

“It won't be easy, but we are up for the challenge. We have to train hard, show commitment and prove ourselves worthy to make the team,” Sze Fei told Timesport yesterday.

Currently ranked No 28 in the world, Sze Fei-Izzuddin got an early start ahead of their independent peers by being part of the first batch of players who got the nod to resume training, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, on June 1.

The others only reported for training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) last Tuesday.

“It is definitely an advantage.

“After nearly three months without court training, we managed to adapt quickly to condition our bodies.

“We are training at about 80 per cent now,” added Sze Fei, who is also looking forward to starting training under newly appointed men’s doubles head coach, Flandy Limpele, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The 46-year-old Indonesian is currently under quarantine at a hotel.

He will report for duty by the end of the month.

“We heard that coach Flandy is already here, but we will only see him at the end of the month. We are excited to see what he can offer,” said Sze Fei.

In the absence of Flandy, the men's doubles department is handled by the two assistant coaches — former women's doubles head coach Rosman Razak and former international Hoon Thien How.