SZE FEI-NUR IZZUDDIN'S LETHAL SMASHES KEY TO VICTORY - BOON HEONG

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The powerful smashes of Malaysia's professional men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani became their main weapon in clinching the 2024 China Open title yesterday, said former doubles great Tan Boon Heong.

The former All England champion believes that every pair must have their own unique strengths on the court, which can serve as a secret weapon to secure continuous victories.

“They can also plan tactics based on their strengths. This will make their opponents more cautious and fearful of them,” he said when contacted today.

“I see Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin's game as very strong, especially with Izzuddin's powerful smash. This gives them a significant advantage on the court,” he said.

When asked about another national doubles pair, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Boon Heong opined that they need something 'different' on the court to develop their own strength.

“They need a little more time because, in my opinion, they currently lack a special weapon that would intimidate opponents every time they meet,” he said.

He gave the example of his past partnership with Koo Kien Keat, where they had a strong attacking style, adding that China's Fu Haifeng was also known for his powerful shots.

Yesterday, Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin clinched their first-ever Super 1000 title by beating China's He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu 13-21, 21-12, 21-17 in the China Open final.

Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin became the second Malaysian pair to win the men's doubles title in the China Open, after brothers Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek-Datuk Razif's triumph in 1989.

-- BERNAMA