KUALA LUMPUR – Having climbed to number 11 in the world rankings, men’s doubles player Goh Sze Fei would have to work his way up again with a new partner after splitting from Nur Izzuddin Rumsani recently.
Sze Fei admitted that it would take a lot of effort to get back on his feet with a different partner but vowed to never give up.
“(Partnering with another player) is a part of life (in badminton). The start of something will always be difficult, but I cannot stop trying.
“I aim to win more titles in the future. So, my partner must have the same goal as me so that we can work together to achieve that,” he said.
Following the separation, the 25-year-old has been forced to forego his opportunity of competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
However, once his new partner is decided, Sze Fei said he targets representing Malaysia in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Describing the type of partner he hopes to get, Sze Fei hopes the coaching team would decide on someone who is able to play the backcourt as he often plays the frontcourt.
The German Open champion also said he would take on the responsibility of guiding his new partner should he be a younger player.
“I’m a frontcourt player. Mostly, he will be a backcourt player, always attacking at the back.
“As I have played in many tournaments, I think it would also be my responsibility to help my new partner do well by sharing my experience with him.”
Meanwhile, Badminton Association of Malaysia men’s doubles coach Tan Bin Shen is unable to divulge any details about Sze Fei and Izzuddin’s new partners for the time being.
He noted that the coaching team is still in discussion.
Doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky will make the announcement once they are ready.
“We need to see their type of play. Like Izzuddin and Sze Fei, we need to pair them up with someone who will be compatible with them.
“Sze Fei plays at the front court, while Izzuddin is (focused) more on smashes. We cannot simply pair them up with anyone,” he explained.
Bin Shen, however, could not reveal the deadline for the new partnerships. – The Vibes, February 1, 2023
