Haikal Nazri & Bryan Goonting: Malaysia's New Duo Eyes Thailand Open

Haikal Nazri & Bryan Goonting: Malaysia's New Duo Eyes Thailand Open

Lily
Lily
Published: Apr 22, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s newest men’s doubles, Haikal Nazri-Bryan Jeremy Goonting, are feverishly working on their combination ahead of their first assignment — the Thailand Open next month.

A bold new era is dawning for Malaysian men's doubles badminton, as Haikal Nazri and Bryan Jeremy Goonting step onto the court as a formidable new partnership.

The badminton world is buzzing as Malaysia's latest men's doubles sensation, Haikal Nazri and Bryan Jeremy Goonting, are relentlessly honing their chemistry. Their target? A strong debut at the upcoming Thailand Open next month.

Key Points:

  • Haikal Nazri and Bryan Jeremy Goonting form Malaysia's exciting new men's doubles pair.
  • Intense training focuses on rotation and communication ahead of their debut at the Thailand Open.
  • Haikal emphasizes a fresh start, advising Bryan against pressure, and eyes a top 32 world ranking by year-end.
  • Despite an old injury causing leg cramps, Haikal is committed to strengthening for peak performance.

Forging a New Partnership: The Haikal-Goonting Era Begins

This fresh pairing comes after Haikal Nazri made the significant decision to part ways with his former partner, Choong Hon Jian. The split, driven by a combination of form struggles and nagging injury concerns, paves the way for a new chapter with Bryan Goonting.

The duo isn't wasting a single moment. Their training regimen is intensely focused on mastering essential elements like court rotation and seamless on-court communication. This accelerated approach is crucial for fast-tracking their synergy.

Overcoming Initial Hurdles and Eyeing the Thailand Open

Haikal, at 23, openly admits the initial phase is challenging. Yet, his perspective is resolute: "The good thing is we start from zero, we are fresh and we have a target." This mindset underscores their hunger for success.

Time is undeniably their biggest adversary ahead of the Thailand Open. Despite the limited preparation window, Haikal remains optimistic, banking on establishing a foundational understanding with Bryan. His advice to his new partner is clear: "Don't feel pressured and don't have high expectations. We just give our best and see what happens."

Ambition Beyond Debut: Top 32 World Ranking Targeted

While the immediate focus is the Thailand Open, the duo has their sights set higher. Haikal has articulated a clear, ambitious goal: to break into the world's top 32 by the close of the year. This long-term vision adds significant weight to every match.

Battle Against the Body: Haikal's Injury Management

Adding another layer of complexity, Haikal is concurrently battling a persistent physical challenge. An old injury in his right leg frequently leads to cramps during explosive movements on court. This necessitates a dedicated strengthening program to ensure sustained performance.