Sze Fei-Izzuddin bent on holding world No. 1 spot after RTG inclusion
Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani believe their inclusion in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme is just the boost they need as they seek to maintain their world No. 1 ranking. Sze Fei-Izzuddin face a tough task to hold on to the top spot after a series of disappointing results but are fired up to improve their form after joining RTG which is an elite programme. Under RTG, they will get additional support services and allowances leading towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "We are honoured to join the Road to Gold programme for the first time," said Sze Fei via social media. "The additional support will help us greatly as we aim to maintain our ranking and achieve big things this year. "A big thanks to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for offering us this program and to the RTG committee and staff for their help." The independent pair were included in the programme for the first time after their stunning performances last year and beginning of this year which propelled them to world No. 1. Sze Fei-Izzuddin captured the China Open, Japan Open and Arctic Open titles before finishing runners-up in the prestigious World Tour Finals last year. The duo then continued their fine form by winning the Indian Open in January but have not reached the semi-finals in any of their outings since. Sze Fei-Izzuddin have two big tournaments coming up next month - the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. The duo need to do well in both the tourneys to protect their ranking points from last year and maintain their No. 1 ranking. Sze Fei-Izzuddin's biggest challengers to the top spot seem to be fellow Malaysians Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who are currently No. 2 in the world. The latter, who have been on fire since April, are keen to overtake the former and become No. 1 themselves for the first time. Aaron-Wooi Yik triumphed in the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open and finished runners-up to another national pair, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the Malaysian Masters. With their fellow countrymen looking to maintain their hot streak, the onus is on Sze Fei-Izzuddin to raise their own game to remain as the No. 1.
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