Malaysian shuttlers Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun advanced to the French Open men’s doubles semi-finals following a walkover from world No. 4 Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, while compatriots Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani secured a straight-game victory over the world No. 1 South Korean pair at the Grand Arena Paris.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Ranking Implications: Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin’s straight-game elimination of world No. 1 Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae.
The Five-Minute Quarter-Final Walkover
The quarter-final clash at the Grand Arena Paris on Friday cut short abruptly when Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik conceded a walkover, thestar.com.my reported. World No. 11 Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun spent merely five minutes on the court, establishing a 5-0 lead before their compatriots withdrew. The physical toll of the tour clearly dictated the outcome; Aaron and Wooi Yik had just reached the Denmark Open final the previous week. In contrast, Wei Chong and Kai Wun entered the fixture carrying the advantage of fresh legs after exiting the Denmark tournament in the opening round.
| Malaysian Pair | BWF World Ranking | Quarter-Final Result | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man Wei Chong – Tee Kai Wun | No. 11 | Walkover (5-0 lead) | Raymond Indra – Nikolaus Joaquin (INA) |
| Goh Sze Fei – Nur Izzuddin Rumsani | Unspecified in source | Won vs. Kim Won-ho – Seo Seung-jae (21-15, 21-18) | Leo Rolly – Daniel Marthin (INA) |
Sze Fei and Izzuddin Stun the World No. 1
While one half of the Malaysian contingent advanced without striking a sustained rally, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani earned their place in the final four through a tactical dismantling of the world’s best. Sze Fei and Izzuddin delivered a composed 21-15, 21-18 victory over South Korea’s world No. 1 pairing of Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae.
Upcoming Semifinal Showdowns Against Indonesia
Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun face Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, seeking redemption after dropping their only previous encounter at last year’s Australian Open. Meanwhile, Sze Fei and Izzuddin square off against Leo Rolly and Daniel Marthin. The pairs previously met only once, at the 2022 Swiss Open, where the Malaysian duo prevailed in a demanding three-game battle.
