Sze Fei-Izzuddin Roar Back to End Malaysia’s 18-Year Indonesia Open Wait
It was a night to remember for Malaysian badminton. Men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani produced a stunning comeback at Istora Senayan in Jakarta to capture the 2026 Indonesia Open Super 1000 title, beating home favourites Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin 13-21, 21-18, 21-10 in Sunday’s final on June 7.
A comeback for the ages
The start was anything but smooth. Roared on by a partisan Jakarta crowd, the Malaysians were outpaced 13-21 in the opening game. But the pair refused to wilt. They steadied themselves to edge a tense second game 21-18, then blew the contest open in the decider, racing to a 21-10 win in just 49 minutes to silence the Istora and send Malaysian fans into raptures.
Why it matters for Malaysia
This is a landmark moment. Sze Fei-Izzuddin became the first Malaysian men’s doubles champions at the Indonesia Open since Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari triumphed in 2008 — ending an 18-year wait. Badminton, like sepak takraw, is woven into Malaysia’s sporting identity, and victories on this stage carry deep meaning for fans back home.
The title was worth roughly US$107,300 (about RM432,365), but the bigger prizes were ranking points and belief. Former national star Razif Sidek hailed the duo as future world-title contenders, saying all Malaysians should be proud.
Background and context
Sze Fei and Izzuddin have risen steadily to become the spearhead of Malaysia’s men’s doubles charge. Their run to the final saw them topple some of the world’s best, and the way they clawed back from a game down in the final underlined the mental steel that defines champions. Trailing, under pressure, on enemy soil — and still finding a way to win.
What’s next
Eyes now turn to bigger stages. With the World Tour calendar rolling on and the World Championships looming, the pair will look to ride this momentum, climb the rankings and chase further silverware. Malaysian fans have every reason to dream big.
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