Sze Fei-Izzuddin cling on to world No. 1 spot
KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani held their nerve to keep their place at the summit of the world rankings — and in doing so, ensured they remain the leading pair in what is now a historic Malaysian one-two in men's doubles.
The world No. 1 duo survived a major scare at the Indonesia Open today, rallying to beat world No. 28 compatriots Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub–Tan Wee Kiong 21-14, 16-21, 21-14 in a tense second-round clash at the Istora Senayan.
Had they lost, Sze Fei–Izzuddin would have been overtaken by fellow Malaysians Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, who are projected to move up to No. 2 despite a first-round exit, thanks to the rolling points system and key upsets in the draw.
But by advancing to the quarter-finals, Sze Fei–Izzuddin retained enough points to hold onto top spot with a projected total of 91,090 — narrowly ahead of Aaron–Wooi Yik's 89,870.
Sze Fei–Izzuddin could now look to extend their lead depending on how far they go in Jakarta.
It's still a landmark moment for Malaysian badminton — with two pairs set to be officially ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world when the new rankings are updated next Tuesday, a feat never before achieved in the country's storied history in men's doubles.
Aaron–Wooi Yik, the 2022 world champions, gained ground after Denmark's Kim Astrup–Anders Skaarup Rasmussen were ousted in the second round by Japan's Takuro Hoki–Yugo Kobayashi.
The Danes, who were defending semi-final points from last year, are expected to fall to 87,520 and drop to third in the rankings.
It was a pressure-filled outing for Sze Fei–Izzuddin, who had quarter-final points to defend from last year and needed the win to avoid being dethroned just two weeks after becoming Malaysia's first new men's pair to reach No. 1 since Goh V Shem–Tan Wee Kiong in 2016.
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