KUALA LUMPUR: It's now or never for national men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to prove they deserve a spot in the Thomas Cup squad next month.
One way to do it is by performing well at the ongoing Celcom Axiata Malaysia International Challenge here at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara.
On Wednesday, the national No 4, who are also defending champions, reached the second round after seeing off Taiwan's Lee Chia Han-Yang Po Hsuan 21-17, 13-21, 21-12 in the opening stage.
The pair, who have been struggling to find their footing since reaching the final of the Malaysia Masters in Sibu, last year, know there is much at stake.
"It all went down for us after I picked up a knee injury last year. This was after the Malaysia Masters," said Nur Izzuddin.
"When I returned after two months, we couldn't find our rhythm. Losing early in back-to-back tournaments also affected our confidence. Of course winning this tournament last year gave us some hope.
"However, having said that, we don't want to pressure ourselves just because we are the defending champions," added Izzuddin, who together with his partner will take on Hong Kong's Ho Wai Lun-Mak Hee Chun on Thursday, for a place in the quarter-finals.
When asked about their chances of making the cut for the Thomas Cup, Izzuddin said: "There have been no news on who is in or out, but we know we have to work hard if we want to earn a place. Our coach (Cheah Soon Kit), has told us to be prepared, so we know what we have to do."
Sixth seeds Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were the other national men's doubles to reach the second round on Wednesday. The Malaysians, who are still waiting for a maiden senior title, saw off Hong Kong's Chan Tsz Kit-Yeung Shin Choi 21-15, 21-19 in the first round, and will face Vietnam's Do Tuan Duc-Pham Ho Nam next.
In the women's doubles, top seeds Soong Fie Cho-Tee Jing Yi, lived up to their billing, securing a place in the second round with a convincing 21-18, 21-13 win over Indonesia's Mychelle Chrystine Bandaso-Winny Oktavina Kandow on Wednesday. The Malaysians play Japan's Rira Kawashima-Saori Ozaki next.
In the men's singles second round, national shuttlers Soong Joo Ven, Tan Jia Wei, along with independent players Zulhelmi Zulkiffli and Alfred Lau, made it to the third round, which will resume on Thursday.