Nearly two years have passed since Sze Fei and Izzuddin rekindled their partnership in men’s doubles, and the Malaysian shuttlers’ comeback journey has now reached a glorious high. The duo officially claimed the world No. 1 ranking in badminton and celebrated the milestone with an emphatic win in their opening match at the 2025 Singapore Open.
Their debut outing as the top-ranked pair proved to be a smooth affair. On Wednesday, May 28, they breezed past Taiwan’s Lee Fang-chih and Lee Fang-jen in straight games, winning 21-13, 21-11 in just 32 minutes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Despite the notoriously tricky wind conditions that have troubled many players at the venue, Sze Fei and Izzuddin displayed excellent adaptability and remained in control throughout the match.
Their next challenge will come from familiar faces, as they are set to take on fellow Malaysians Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King in the second round.
Speaking after the victory, Izzuddin shared his thoughts with the Badminton World Federation (BWF):
“Our game plan was executed really well, and we came in prepared. We’re staying focused on delivering our best without distractions. The wind was quite strong in the hall, but we didn’t let that affect us. We stuck to our strategy and enjoyed the game.”
A Remarkable Reunion Sze Fei and Izzuddin : From Split to Success
The road to the top hasn’t been without challenges. In January 2023, the pair went their separate ways due to internal disagreements. However, fate brought them back together five months later—and since reuniting, their resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable.
Their breakthrough came swiftly when they clinched the title at the US Open. That victory ignited a winning momentum, leading them to capture six additional titles, including the prestigious Indian Open earlier this year. Notably, their rise has been fueled by independence. After parting ways with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), many doubted their chances, but they silenced critics by achieving even greater success on their own terms.
Sze Fei expressed deep gratitude for the team behind their journey:
“We’ve always trusted the process, and that belief has carried us through. The support from our coaching team and sponsors has been incredible. Becoming world No. 1 is not just a personal triumph—it’s a title we dedicate to Malaysia.”
A Strong Era for Malaysian Men’s Doubles
Malaysia is currently experiencing a golden generation in men’s doubles badminton. Alongside Sze Fei and Izzuddin’s dominance, the national team boasts other world-class pairs. Olympic bronze medalists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are ranked world No. 4, while Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun are not far behind at No. 7.
Reflecting on this positive trend, Sze Fei added:
“It’s great to see three strong Malaysian pairs competing at the top level. It shows real depth in the men’s doubles department. Whether we are playing under the national banner or independently, we’re all driven by the same goal—to make Malaysia proud on the international stage.”
Eyes on the Title and Olympic Dreams
As Sze Fei and Izzuddin prepare for their second-round match in Singapore, their sights are not only set on another tournament title but also on maintaining consistency ahead of the 2024 Olympic cycle. With momentum, confidence, and unity on their side, the world’s top men’s doubles pair is now focused on cementing their legacy among badminton’s elite.
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