Sze Fei-Izzuddin survive scare to reach last 16 in Paris

KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were made to sweat before securing their place in the men’s doubles last 16 of the World Championships in Paris on Wednesday.

The world No. 3 recovered from a game down to defeat gutsy Americans Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith 19-21, 21-10, 21-17 at the Adidas Arena.

After conceding the opener, Sze Fei-Izzuddin regained their composure to dominate the second, before showing grit in the decider by overturning an 11-7 deficit to close out the match.

The Malaysians will now look to build on the win as they chase a quarter-final berth, aiming to surpass the third-round stage where their two previous campaigns in 2021 and 2022 had ended.

It was a timely reminder for the third seeds to stay sharp, having been pushed to the brink by the world No. 30 Americans.

They will likely face Lee Jhe Huei-Yang Po Hsuan of Taiwan on Thursday.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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