Defending champions Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin’s title run came to an early end after a shock first-round exit at the China Open in Changzhou.
The Malaysian pair were stunned by South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk-Ki Dong Ju, losing 15-21, 21-15, 21-17 in their first-ever meeting.
Adding to the disappointment, they had already lost their world No. 1 ranking just a day earlier — dropping to No. 3 behind Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae.
This early defeat is likely to see them slide further in the world rankings. Tough week for the duo.
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