KUALA LUMPUR, May 2025 — Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani made light work of their second-round match at the Malaysia Masters 2025, dispatching Taiwan’s Chen Zhi Ray-Lin Yu Chieh 21-19, 21-13 in just 30 minutes at the Axiata Arena.
With this win, the second-seeded Malaysian pair advance to the quarter-finals where they’ll face compatriots Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, who earlier beat Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa-Kyohei Yamashita 21-17, 21-13.
Watch Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin vs. Chen Zhi Ray-Lin Yu Chieh in the Malaysia Masters second round:
The upcoming quarter-final clash will be their third meeting, with Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin having won both previous encounters—at the 2024 China Open and 2022 German Open.
“We’ll need to tweak our tactics since Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin are among the top-ranked pairs in the world. They’re strong and consistent,” said Tee Kai Wun, ahead of the match.
“Consistency is key. If we stay composed, we can boost our confidence regardless of who we play,” added Man Wei Chong.
Despite their strong record, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin aren’t letting past wins distract them.
“Each day is a new match. We’ll just do our best and keep our focus,” said Goh Sze Fei, adding that it’s a good sign for Malaysian men’s doubles to have such depth and quality.
Their best finish at the Malaysia Masters was runner-up in 2017, losing to Indonesia’s Berry Angriawan-Hardianto in the final.
“We definitely have our eyes on going one step further this time, but our focus remains one match at a time,” said Izzuddin.
The pair already have one title under their belt this season, winning the India Open 2025.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik Advance, But No All-Aaron Showdown
Meanwhile, top Malaysian pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik moved into the quarter-finals after a comfortable 21-13, 21-16 win over Taiwan’s Liu Kuang Heng-Yang Po Han.
Fans were hoping for a tantalizing “Aaron vs. Aaron” quarter-final featuring Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik vs. young guns Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing, but the latter fell in a dramatic second-round battle.
Despite an inspired second set comeback, Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing ultimately lost to Denmark’s Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard 10-21, 26-24, 16-21. A disputed call in the third set—where the umpire ruled that the shuttle grazed Aaron’s ear—broke their momentum and focus.
“Calls like that affect concentration. Still, this experience will make us stronger,” said Kang Khai Xing.
Soh Wooi Yik acknowledged the physical and mental strain of back-to-back tournaments.
“Yes, fatigue is setting in, and there’s pressure playing at home. But we’re trying to find solutions every day. If one approach doesn’t work, we look for another,” he said.
