Men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani have finally stepped out of their seniors' shadows after storming into the German Open semi-finals.
The world No 17 showed true grit to overcome their more illustrious compatriots, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, 21-15, 20-22, 21-19 in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Previously, Sze Fei-Izzuddin had a track record of two losses against World Championships bronze medallists Yew Sin-Ee Yi.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who reached the Denmark Open semi-finals last year, had appeared to have blown their chance after allowing world No 11 Yew Sin-Ee Yi to take the second game and force a rubber.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin also let slip a 9-4 lead in the third game but they rallied superbly to clinch the win in 75 minutes.
Their win over Yew Sin-Ee Yi should improve their chances of becoming Malaysia's second doubles at the Thomas Cup in Bangkok in May.
"For them to win, it really shows the progress that they have made," said BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
"All this while they have always lived in the shadows of Yew Sin-Ee Yi, and it's good to see them coming through finally.
"This win will also do their confidence a lot of good."
Sze Fei-Izzuddin met China's He Jiting-Zhou Haodong in the semi-finals late yesterday.
Meanwhile it was the end of the road for women's pair Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien and mixed pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing.
Vivian-Chiew Sien gave a good account of themselves but lost 21-15, 22-20 to top seeds Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan of China. Kian Meng-Pei Jing lost 21-11, 21-18 to Thai top seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
RESULTS (MALAYSIANS ONLY) — QUARTER-FINALS, Men's singles: Lee Zii Jia bt Zhao Junpeng (Chn) 21-12, 21-18;
Doubles: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani bt Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi 21-15, 20-22, 21-19;
Women's doubles: Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan (Chn) bt Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien 21-15, 22-20.
Mixed doubles: Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Tha) bt Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing 21-11, 21-18.