KUALA LUMPUR: Nur Izzuddin Rumsani stressed the importance of being brave in winning mental battles after he and Goh Sze Fei lost narrowly in the men's doubles quarter-finals of the China Masters in Shenzhen on Friday.
Though world No. 8 Sze Fei-Izzuddin kept pressing for victory, Indonesian world No. 13 Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi held their nerves for an 18-21, 21-19, 23-21 win in 63 minutes.
The defeat ended Sze Fei-Izzuddin's hunt for a fourth title on the World Tour this year, but Izzuddin said the defeat was a reminder that everything boils down to mental resilience in crucial situations.
"It's about the mental game at the end. We need to be more patient and be braver during the crucial rallies of a match," said Izzuddin.
Independent pair Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been on a roll this year, winning the Japan Open, China Open and Arctic Open besides finishing runners-up at the Asian Championships.
The Malaysians will be looking for redemption at the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou on Dec 11-15 where Izzuddin eyes a podium finish.
"We are hoping to get a medal at the WTF, but we have to also go home and start rectifying our errors and improve our game," added Izzuddin.