KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The chase for glory has begun.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The chase for glory has begun.
Malaysia’s professional men’s doubles duo, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, kicked off their bid for a first Malaysia Masters title with a commanding performance in the opening round of the 2025 tournament at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, yesterday.
Eager to end their title drought on home turf, the world number two pair delivered a clinical showing, dispatching French pair Eloi Adam and Leo Rossi 21-16, 21-13 in just 31 minutes to secure a spot in the second round of the Super 500 event.
Speaking after the match, Nur Izzuddin said their focus was on enjoying the game and cherishing the experience of playing in front of a home crowd.
“We just went out there to enjoy ourselves. Winning here has always been one of our dreams — especially doing it in front of our fans,” he said.
Despite the straight-sets win, Nur Izzuddin noted that there is still room for improvement, particularly in their rotation, as they prepare to face Taiwan’s Chen Zhi Ray and Lin Yu Chieh next.
The Taiwanese pair had earlier booked their second-round spot with a 21-13, 21-18 win over India’s Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi.
Sze Fei added that staying calm under pressure will be key to keeping their title hopes alive.
In other Malaysian action, national fifth seeds Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun also advanced, edging past India’s Roy Pruthvi and K. Sai Pratheek 21-15, 23-21.
Kai Wun admitted they weren’t at their best and are looking to put on a more convincing performance in their upcoming match against Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita.
The Japanese pair earlier dashed hopes of an all-Malaysian second round after defeating Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King 21-11, 22-20.
Meanwhile, professional pair Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi were eliminated after failing to capitalise on their first-set win against China’s third seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. The Chinese duo bounced back to take the next two sets 21-15, 21-15 after dropping the opener 21-9. — Bernama
WASHINGTON, May 21 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said yesterday that he expects Russia to present a ceasefire proposal for Ukraine within days — a move that could reveal Moscow’s true intentions — as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of stalling for time.
TOKYO, May 21 — Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned today following public outrage over his comment that he never buys rice because he receives so much of it for free, a remark seen as insensitive amid rising food prices.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The National Registration Department (NRD) will review disciplinary actions against officers found to be negligent or who failed to act on delays in processing identity card (IC) applications.