Author: Ann Cooper

BANGKOK: Malaysia’s professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani continued their impressive run at the 2026 Thailand Open after booking their place in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The Malaysian duo produced a composed performance to defeat China’s Huang Di and Liu Yang in straight games, winning 21-14, 24-22 at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.

Strong Opening Gives Malaysians Early Control

Sze Fei and Izzuddin started the match aggressively, taking control through quick attacking exchanges and fast-paced net play.

The world No. 9 pair consistently pressured the Chinese duo from the opening rallies and comfortably secured the first game 21-14.

The Malaysians looked sharper in transition and were able to dominate the flat exchanges, forcing Huang Di and Liu Yang into multiple defensive situations.

Second Game Turns Into Tight Battle

The second game proved far more competitive as the Chinese pair adjusted their rhythm and raised the intensity.

Huang and Liu fought back strongly and nearly pushed the match into a deciding third game.

However, Sze Fei and Izzuddin remained composed in the crucial closing points and eventually sealed the match 24-22 after 46 minutes.

Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) after the match, Nur Izzuddin admitted the pair briefly lost focus late in the second game.

“I think we played quite well today and our opponents also played very well,” said Izzuddin.

“We just tried to stay focused on our own game.”

Quarterfinal Clash Against Scotland Pair Awaits

The Malaysian pair will next face Scotland’s Christopher Grimley and Matthew Grimley for a place in the semifinals.

The match presents a strong opportunity for Sze Fei and Izzuddin to continue building momentum ahead of the upcoming Malaysia Masters.

After recent ups and downs on the BWF World Tour, a deep run in Bangkok would provide a valuable confidence boost for the independent Malaysian pair.

Bryan Goonting-Haikal Nazri Eliminated

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s other men’s doubles representatives Bryan Jeremy Goonting and Muhammad Haikal Nazri saw their campaign come to an end.

The young Malaysian combination lost 12-21, 19-21 to India’s top seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in 44 minutes.

Despite the defeat, Bryan and Haikal showed flashes of promise, especially during the second game where they pushed the experienced Indian pair harder.

Malaysia Men’s Doubles Continue to Deliver

Malaysia’s men’s doubles department remains one of the country’s strongest assets in international badminton.

With pairs like Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin consistently competing deep into major tournaments, Malaysia continues to maintain strong depth in the discipline.

Sze Fei and Izzuddin’s latest performance also reinforces their growing reputation as one of the most dangerous attacking pairs on tour when playing confidently.

Thailand Open Momentum Important Ahead of Malaysia Masters

The Thailand Open serves as an important preparation tournament ahead of next week’s Malaysia Masters in Kuala Lumpur.

Strong results in Bangkok could help Malaysian players gain valuable ranking points and build momentum before competing in front of home supporters.

For Sze Fei and Izzuddin, the quarterfinal appearance represents another positive step in their campaign to remain among the world’s elite men’s doubles pairs.

This latest badminton news update highlights another encouraging performance from Malaysia’s men’s doubles department at the Thailand Open 2026.