KUALA LUMPUR: Performance brings greater joy to men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani than their rise in world ranking.
The Malaysians rose from world No. 3 to No. 2 this week, but the independent pair were happier to see a better performance at the India Open where they reached the semi-finals today.
They beat Taiwan's Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen 21-11, 21-17 in a 33-minute last eight match at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
The duo were under pressure following a first round defeat at the Malaysia Open to world No. 26 Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vertsergaard of Denmark last week.
So, Sze Fei-Izzuddin were relieved to make it to the last four this time.
"We are happy to rise to world No. 2 but improving our performance will be more important." said Sze Fei.
"Of course, we also want to improve our ranking but it has to come with quality performance.
"It was a tough week for us in Malaysia but thanks to our coaches for continuing to keep encouraging us."
Izzuddin, who was appraently not well during the Malaysia Open, refused to blame his condition for losing early then, and wants to make amends in India.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin will play India's world No. 9 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty in the last four.