National badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek believes professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have the potential to be crowned world champions at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17 to 23.
Razif said the world No. 7 pair’s remarkable progress, highlighted by their triumph at the 2026 Indonesia Open, proves they are genuine contenders for the sport’s biggest prizes.
Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin ended Malaysia’s 18-year wait for the men’s doubles title at the prestigious tournament after capturing the crown at Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Sunday.
Razif, who won the Indonesia Open with his brother Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek in 1988 and 1990, said the victory showcased the pair’s growing maturity and mental resilience under intense pressure, particularly in front of the passionate Indonesian crowd at the Super 1000 event.
He added that their semi-final victory over top seeds and defending champions Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae of South Korea, 21-18, 17-21, 21-16, further demonstrated their credentials as serious title challengers for the World Championships.
“Over the last four tournaments, I have seen significant improvements in their movement, strategy and confidence. They peaked at the right time.
“To be honest, I did not expect them to play this well at the Indonesia Open. I hope they can maintain this level of performance. They definitely have a chance, and I hope they succeed at the World Championships,” he told Bernama.
Razif noted that winning a BWF World Tour Super 1000 event such as the Indonesia Open is no easy feat, given the level of competition and pressure involved.
He said while the World Championships offer medals and valuable ranking points, Super 1000 tournaments also carry significant prestige and lucrative prize money.
“It is never easy to win in Indonesia, especially at Istora Senayan. To see the Malaysian flag flying high there is something we should all be proud of,” he said.
The victory saw Malaysia reclaim the Indonesia Open men’s doubles title for the first time since Zakry Abdul Latif and Fairuzizuan Tazari won the tournament in 2008.
As champions, Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin pocketed prize money of USD107,300 (RM432,365).
The triumph also marked their second title at Istora Senayan this year after winning the Indonesia Masters in January, where they defeated the same South Korean pair 21-19, 21-13 in the final.
Last month, the Malaysian duo finished runners-up at the 2026 Malaysia Masters after losing to Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard 16-21, 17-21 in the final.
