KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek believes it's a matter of time before men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani become world No.1
The world No. 2 Malaysian pair loom as an emerging force in the game, and Sunday's India Open triumph was their latest.
In an impressive display of tactical brilliance and new-found confidence, Sze Fei-Izzuddin outplayed South Koreans Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae in a three-game final.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin have now won four out of five finals since August last year. They had earlier bagged the Japan Open, China Open and Arctic Open titles apart from finishing second at the World Tour Finals.
Razif believes that the tactically transformed Sze Fei-Izzuddin will win more titles on the World Tour this year.
He said Sze Fei-Izzuddin have what it takes to become world No. 1, but reminded them to keep winning as they can only make it difficult for themselves if they lose momentum in a highly intense global men's doubles scene.
Razif urged the duo to maintain their tactical prowess and momentum on the World Tour.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin's first significant achievement was finishing runners-up at the Asian Championships in April last year, but they were unable to build on that breakthrough then.
But since becoming an independent pair in September, Sze Fei-Izzuddin have grown from strength to strength.
"Sze Fei-Izzuddin are playing with confidence, maturity and their game is not easy to predict. Their India Open victory was impressive and they must continue this momentum," said Razif.
"They are playing with good strategy and are not afraid to take risks and are trying new things in their game, and it is refreshing to see them playing true to their ranking.
"I see them breaking many records and winning many tournaments, and they will have to get used to being hunted by their rivals after this.
"However, the good thing is that they have been handling the pressure well as they raise their level once they are in the semi-finals and beyond."
Razif is impressed by their tactical strength, and he felt that Sze Fei's improvement in controlling front court play has made them a potent attacking force.
"Tactically they have changed and are playing the pressing game so well. I am particularly pleased with the way Sze Fei operates at the front court which opens up the chances for Izzuddin's attack from the baseline.
"Sze Fei is making a big difference by creating a lot of chances and forcing the opponents into defence. He is also quite clever with the service where he scores easy points and these things are important.
"Izzuddin has the power to dominate the attack and as a pair, they complement each other well.
"They have learnt to score fast to pull ahead and protect those leads and this makes it easier for them to pile the pressure on their opponents.
"They need to keep this going and also maintain a strong physical level to sustain their power play," said Razif.
The All England on March 11-16 will be the next Super 1000 event where they can capture the men's doubles crown last won by Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in 2007.