Sze Fei-Izzuddin set for BAM return?
The pair, who will lose their world No. 1 ranking when the new BWF list is released on Tuesday, appear to be rethinking their path after a worrying dip in form.
According to reliable sources, they approached BAM recently to explore the possibility of a return.
The major draw?
Indonesian coach Herry IP — the man behind the resurgence of world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who have won four titles between them this year since his arrival at BAM in February.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin quit BAM in September last year — just a week after winning the Japan Open.
They went on to claim the China Open, Arctic Open, and India Open in January, shooting up to world No. 1 eight weeks ago.
But they haven't won a title since their India Open triumph, and their reign at the top ends this week after they failed to defend their Japan Open crown, losing to South Korea's world No. 3 Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae on Sunday.
The Koreans will officially take over the top spot on Tuesday, with Sze Fei-Izzuddin expected to drop two places in the rankings.
Former national shuttler Datuk James Selvaraj believes a return to BAM would be a step in the right direction.
"Sze Fei-Izzuddin will definitely gain a lot by rejoining BAM. Herry's coaching has been a game-changer for our national pairs," said James.
"Herry and doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky are focusing on power and speed — a system that would suit Sze Fei-Izzuddin and help reverse their recent decline.
"Their return could also raise the level of our other men's doubles pairs and strengthen Malaysia's depth on the world stage."
Sze Fei-Izzuddin had previously praised Herry's training methods during a short centralised training stint at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara ahead of the Sudirman Cup in May — a stint that may have rekindled their interest in rejoining the national fold.
"Physical endurance, or the lack of it, seems to be a key reason behind their struggles. That's something BAM can help with," added James.
"In today's game, support services are crucial — strength training, recovery, physio and mental coaching.
"As independents, they've had to manage everything on their own.
"With BAM, all of that is under one roof. But if they do return, they must commit fully."
Top seeds Sze Fei-Izzuddin will now turn their attention to defending their China Open title. They face a tricky first-round clash against South Korea's world No. 49 Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju on Wednesday.
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