KUCHING: Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani grit their teeth to star a thrilling comeback, ending Malaysia’s 18-year wait for the Indonesia Open men’s doubles title after defeating Indonesia’s Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin in the final tonight (June 6).
The world No. 8 pair recovered from a game down to secure a 13-21, 21-18, 21-10 victory at a packed Istora Senayan, capturing their first title since the India Open in January and their second Super 1000 crown following their China Open triumph in 2024.
The victory also saw the Malaysians become the first men’s doubles pair from the country to lift the Indonesia Open title since Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari and Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif in 2008.
The long-awaited showdown began amid a deafening atmosphere as thousands of Indonesian supporters packed the iconic venue in support of the home pair.
Roared on by the crowd, Raymond and Nikolaus came out firing, launching relentless attacks and dictating the pace from the outset.
The young Indonesians were quick around the court, turning defence into attack with remarkable speed as they piled pressure on the Malaysians.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin struggled to settle into their rhythm, with a series of unforced errors on serve and return allowing the home pair to maintain control throughout the opening game.
Backed by the full force of the Istora Senayan crowd, Raymond and Nikolaus showed little sign of nerves before closing out the first game 21-13.
The second game followed a similar pattern early on as the Indonesians continued to feed off the energy of the home supporters.
However, Sze Fei and Izzuddin gradually found their footing.
Drawing on their experience and composure, the Malaysians began absorbing the pressure better while producing sharper attacking play to swing the momentum in their favour.
With the title slipping from reach, they clawed their way back from behind before sealing the second game 21-18 to force a decider.
The momentum shift proved decisive.
Heading into the third game with renewed confidence and focus, Sze Fei and Izzuddin carried their resurgence into the deciding set.
The Malaysians looked far more composed in the early exchanges, matching the Indonesians’ intensity while cutting down on the mistakes that had plagued them in the opener.
Capitalising on several crucial rallies, they opened a 6-3 lead before extending their advantage to 15-9.
Having rediscovered their rhythm, Sze Fei and Izzuddin began reading the Indonesians’ movements with greater precision, cutting off attacking angles and turning defence into opportunities.
With confidence growing by the rally, the Malaysians wasted little time in widening the gap to 17-9, leaving the home crowd increasingly subdued.
From there, there was no way back for Raymond and Nikolaus.
Sze Fei and Izzuddin remained composed in the closing stages before sealing the deciding game 21-10 to complete a memorable comeback and etch their names into Indonesia Open history.
The title marks the biggest achievement of the Malaysians’ season so far and adds another prestigious chapter to a partnership that continues to establish itself among the world’s elite men’s doubles combinations.
The last Malaysians to lift the Indonesia Open men’s doubles title were Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari and Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif, who took the Jakarta top honours in 2008.
