KUALA LUMPUR: Men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani salvaged Malaysia's campaign at the India Open Super 750 by advancing to the men's doubles final in New Delhi on Saturday.
World No. 2 Sze Fei-Izzuddin impressed with a dominant 21-18, 21-14 win over India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty in a 37-minute semi-final encounter.
It was only their second win in eight meetings against the world No. 9 Indian duo.
Earlier, Malaysia's other semi-finalists — Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men's doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles), and mixed doubles pairs Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai — all fell short of making the finals.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin will face South Korean scratch pair Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae in the final on Sunday, offering them an opportunity to continue their remarkable run since August.
This includes victories at the Japan Open, China Open, Arctic Open, and a runner-up finish at the World Tour Finals (WTF).
"Although we didn't have a good record against them, the pressure of playing on home ground was on them," said Sze Fei.
"I focused on creating opportunities at the net for Izzuddin to execute his smashes."
Izzuddin, meanwhile, said they aim to stay focused and avoid overthinking ahead of the final.
"We will just give our best against the Koreans," said Izzuddin.
Malaysia last won the India Open in 2014, through Datuk Lee Chong Wei in the men's singles.