Goh Sze Fei and Izzuddin have played every Thomas Cup since 2020. This one is not guaranteed.

Three consecutive Thomas Cup appearances. A world No. 7 ranking. None of it has secured Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani a spot in Malaysia's 2026 squad.

With the BAM selection deadline on April 10, the veteran pair is now in a straight fight for the third doubles slot, and the competition has a name.

Wan Arif Junaidi and Yap Roy King are world No. 16 and rising. The young pair reached the All England last 16 recently. Before that, they stepped up as first doubles in the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Qingdao last month, filling in while Malaysia's three senior pairs were absent.

Two important tournaments in a short time have made their situation hard to ignore.

National men’s doubles head coach Herry IP confirmed that only two pairs have secured their places in the Thomas Cup team. World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, and the third slot remains open.

"Whether it's Goh-Izzuddin or others, I don't know yet," Herry said. "For the third pair, we need to have a meeting with Director Rexy and the management to discuss."

Experience vs Form: What Decides the Third Slot

Sze Fei and Izzuddin still hold an edge in experience, and they have played the 2020, 2022, and 2024 Thomas Cups and know what pressure at that level demands. This will count for something.

But inconsistency has followed them in recent months. Arif and Roy King's steady improvement has filled the gap that inconsistency left open.

BAM must finalise the squad by April 10. The Thomas Cup begins April 24 in Horsens, Denmark. Herry has been clear that the decision goes to a meeting with director Rexy Mainaky and team management.

For Sze Fei and Izzuddin, their Thomas Cup record is not enough this time. They will need to earn it.

Do you think Sze Fei-Izzuddin deserves the spot, or is it time to back Arif-Roy King? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi