KUALA LUMPUR: Despite having made some progress since reuniting with Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Goh Sze Fei has chosen to remain grounded and not get too confident about being selected for the Thomas Cup.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who went through a short separation (four months) early last year, moved three spots up to No. 19 in the world rankings thanks to their fine showing at the recent Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC).
It is worth noting that Sze Fei-Izzuddin had reached a career-high world No. 9 two years ago.
When asked if this slow progress was a positive boost, Sze Fei said: "Yes, but it's still slow progress. We must do more and move up faster.
"There is a lot to be done. Izzuddin and I need to be consistent with our results."
At the BATC, Sze Fei-Izzuddin won all their matches, inspiring Malaysia to their third consecutive final.
However, Malaysia failed to defend their title, losing 3-0 to China.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin did not get a chance to play in the final, as China had already secured the tie with an unassailable score.
When asked if their fine showing would help them secure their place in Malaysia's Thomas Cup squad, Sze Fei added: "The BATC was just one tournament, and Izzuddin and I have plenty to improve.
"Every tournament is important, not just the Thomas Cup.
"It's good that we have moved up the rankings. Now, Malaysia have four pairs in the top 20.
The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals will be held in Chengdu, China on April 27-May 5.
World No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are Malaysia's highest-ranked pair, followed by Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 12) and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 18).
Sze Fei also conceded that their chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics are all but over but that will not deter them from going all out in every tournament.
"I think qualifying for Paris will be tough, but like I said, we still have so many tournaments to play in. We just have to focus on ourselves and do well," Sze Fei added.
A country is allowed two pairs at the Olympics, provided they are in the top eight of the Race to Paris standings.