Sze Fei-Izzuddin credit KKK effect for renewed intent at Malaysia Open [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The "Koo Kien Keat effect" cast a positive glow on struggling independent men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani as they avoided a potential upset to stride into the second round of the Malaysia Open on Tuesday.

The world No. 7, guided by Kien Keat from the coach's chair, played with renewed intent to beat Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard 21-15, 21-13 in 32 minutes at the Axiata Arena.

The win avenged their defeat to the Danish pair at last year's tournament and suggested that Kien Keat's one-off guidance provided the necessary push toward regaining their former glory.

Sze Fei credited the input from the former star and recent sparring sessions with BA of Malaysia (BAM) pairs.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank BAM and also coach KKK for helping us with better preparation," said Sze Fei.

"He has helped in terms of the mental side — not just in our game plan, but also the way we think.

"I feel that I didn't play very well today. A lot of the time, my partner covered for me, so I just focused on doing my part as best as I could."

Izzuddin also valued the contribution and suggested there is a chance of securing the former Asian Games champion's coaching services on a permanent basis.

"Kien Keat's input is on our mindset, how we have to prepare mentally, and how to get ourselves ready for a tournament," said Izzuddin.

"We are still discussing things within the team to get his services as a coach. For now, nothing is confirmed.

"Today, we didn't think about anything else. Once we stepped onto the court, we just needed to play with courage, stay calm, and give our best."

Sze Fei-Izzuddin reached world No. 1 in May last year after winning the India Open, but their form slumped afterward, with a runner-up finish at the Japan Open their only notable result since.

Kien Keat noted the pair had lost confidence, identifying that as the main focus of his short-term stint.

The Malaysians will play either world No. 33 Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri or England's world No. 16 Ben Lane-Sean Vendy in the second round on Thursday.

"We just want to bring out our best on Thursday. Our goal for the year is to just keep improving," Sze Fei added.