![[UPDATED] A horrible week for Sze Fei-Izzuddin](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F23ns38bad_1753237926.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] A horrible week for Sze Fei-Izzuddin
After slipping two rungs to world No. 3 in the weekly Badminton World Federation rankings yesterday, Sze Fei-Izzuddin Rumsani were dealt another blow today.
They crashed out in the first round of the China Open after a 21-15, 15-21, 17-21 loss to South Korea's world No. 40 Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju in 56 minutes at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre.
Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin conceded that their opponents were simply better on the day.
The Malaysian duo failed to build on the momentum from their runners-up finish at the Japan Open last week.
Despite winning the opening game convincingly, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin couldn't stop the Koreans from taking control of the match thereafter.
"We tried our best, but our opponents were better than us today," said Sze Fei in a post-match BWF interview.
"They controlled the game with the first three shots."
Since winning the India Open in January, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been unable to add to their trophy haul — a slump that saw them relinquish their world No. 1 ranking after just eight weeks at the top.
There has been speculation recently that the independent pair are set to rejoin the BA of Malaysia. However, Sze Fei dismissed such claims yesterday.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin will hope to bounce back at next month's World Championships.
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