Sze Fei-Izzuddin need Malaysia Masters title to become world No. 1
KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are on the brink of becoming world No. 1 in men's doubles, but only if top-ranked Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen suffer an early exit at the Malaysia Masters.
The Danish pair, currently ranked world No. 1 and defending champions, eased into the second round at the Axiata Arena with a commanding 21-10, 21-17 win over China's world No. 29 Xie Hao Nan-Zeng Wei Han.
Next up for Astrup-Rasmussen is a clash against Malaysia's world No. 39 Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong on Thursday.
Despite the threat from world No. 2 Sze Fei-Izzuddin, the Danes remain confident they will retain their top ranking next week unless the Malaysians lift the title on home soil.
Second seeds Sze Fei-Izzuddin also reached the second round by overcoming world No. 48 Eloi Adams-Leo Rossi of France 21-16, 21-13.
The Malaysians will face Taiwan's world No. 38 Chen Zhi Ray-Lin Yu Chieh on Thursday.
Astrup-Rasmussen have struggled this season, suffering early exits at the Malaysia Open, India Open and All England.
This is a sharp contrast to their red-hot 2024 campaign, which saw them win three titles, including the World Tour Finals and land five podium finishes that catapulted them to world No. 1.
"We remain humble. There are many strong pairs out there, and our form hasn't been the best," said Astrup, 33, on Tuesday.
"We're working hard to get back to top form. We're still world No. 1, so obviously, we can still play badminton. That's why we continue to believe in ourselves despite recent results."
The pair's form has also been hampered by Rasmussen's battle with tennis elbow in his playing arm.
"For the past four or five months, I've been dealing with tennis elbow, which made training and competing very difficult," said the 36-year-old.
"But we're on the other side of the injury now, and I believe we'll be back to our best soon."
The Danes have faced Hang Yee-Eng Cheong once before - at the 2021 Swiss Open - winning 21-17, 16-21, 21-13.
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