Sze Fei-Izzuddin back in court with BAM for Malaysia Open prep [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Herry IP believes the presence of Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) for twice-weekly joint training sessions will be a win-win situation for both the independent duo and the national pairs.

Herry revealed the arrangement was finalised by doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, with the world No. 7 pair set to train twice a week until the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena from Jan 6-11.

Sze Fei0Izzuddin were accompanied by their coach Teo Kok Siang during their second session on Friday (Dec 26).

"Rexy told me the independent pair would join our training twice a week to prepare for the Malaysia Open. They probably lack sparring partners, so they have joined us here. It is mutually beneficial for both sides," said Herry at ABM in Bukit Kiara.

"Our advantage is that we now have additional high-quality sparring.

"They are not here just for sparring. Kok Siang and the players have agreed to follow our training programme.

"If it is stroke training, they do strokes. If it is match play, they do the same.

"What has been agreed is Wednesday's session, while the second session will vary. It is Friday this week and will be Saturday next week."

The move is also in line with a call by former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who had urged independent pairs under the Road to Gold programme to benefit from joint training sessions with BA of Malaysia (BAM) players.

Herry said the joint sessions could potentially become permanent and may serve as early preparations for the Thomas Cup, though no decision has been made.

"Honestly, I don't know yet because Rexy only informed me the arrangement is for two weeks. Maybe it is also for Thomas Cup preparations, but I have not received any further information," he added.

Men's doubles ace Aaron Chia also welcomed the move, saying it would raise both quality and variation in training.

"This is definitely something we were looking forward to. We now have the opportunity to spar with a top independent pair, so it is a win-win situation," said Aaron.

Sze Fei-Izzuddin and Kok Siang were unavailable for comment after the session.

However, the independent pair are understood to welcome the joint training as they look to arrest a sharp dip in form this year.

The arrangement also offers them a chance to improve their showing at next year's Malaysia Open after crashing out in the first round of this year's edition in January.