Congratulations to Malaysian shuttlers Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin! The men’s doubles pair now sit comfortably at first place on the world ranking, marking the first time in almost ten years that our local badminton pairs have ranked No.1.
Following the conclusion of the Malaysian Masters last week, the newly updated Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings see a new world No.1 men’s doubles pair. Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, known fondly as FeiDin, overtook Denmark’s Kim Astriup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen after the latter pair failed to defend their Malaysian Masters title. The two lost to fellow Malaysian men’s double pairing Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
Despite losing in their Malaysian Masters’ quarter-final match, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin’s consistent performance over the past year helped propel them to the top of the world ranking. Their wins in 2024 include the China Open, Japan Open and the Arctic Open. The pair’s win at the India Open in January 2025 solidified their position at the top of the ranking, helping them rise to their previous spot of World No.2.
Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin’s new ranking is also significant as it marks the first time a Malaysian badminton player duo has ranked first on the BWF ranking since 2016. The last Malaysian pair to achieve this ranking was Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong in 2016. Meanwhile, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s highest world ranking in their career was No. 2. They’re now ranked No.3, following the Denmark pair.
Fans have congratulated the pair, expressing pride over their new ranking. Some fans also expressed gratitude towards Soh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin for their hard work, noting that the two have been through many hardships. The duo first partnered up in 2017 but split in 2023, citing a lack of connection. They reunited a few months later but still faced a series of losses. However, their persistence and improved performance saw more victories in 2024, getting them to where they are now.
We would also like to congratulate Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin on their new world ranking. The pair will play at the Singapore Badminton Open, which starts today (27th May 2025, Tuesday).
Sources: Twitter (1)(2), The Sun
