“Goh Sze Fei and I didn’t get off to a good start in both tournaments this year (Malaysia and Indian Open), but I don’t think this is the end. We need to improve our ability to finish and our mental strength. I’ll need to talk with my coach and Sze Fei about what the best solution is, but I also need to fix my weaknesses and get past them.”
Nur Izzuddin also said, “I’m open to whatever the coach decides. If I have to start over with a new partner, I will accept that. I’m ready for anything that could come up.”
At the same time, Rexy Ronald Mainaky did not rule out the possibility. Since they won the German Open in February, the pair has been going downhill. In Malaysia in July, they made it to the semifinals, which was their last big win.
In the first round of the Indian Open last week, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin both lost. Before that, in the first round of the Malaysian Open, they also failed.
“I talked to them after the European Tour in November, and Nur Izzuddin was upset that they lost a tournament they should have won, “said Rexy. They don’t seem to have any energy left, and when they fail, which is normal, they move on, which is something we should consider. We need to talk more and find out why they are in the same situation and if they don’t trust each other very much.”
All of the teams on the national team are competing for two spots in the 2016 Olympics in Paris. The current position of World No. 2 Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will remain the same. Tee Kai Wun and Man Wei Chong, as well as the freestyle pair of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, are still in the running.
“If Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin split up, we would have to figure out if they would miss the Olympics in 2024 and if they could qualify for the Olympics in 2028 with a new partner. I wish we didn’t have to do this, but if they have to be split up, we may not have any other choice. So now it’s time to decide if they should stay together or find a new partner.”
