KUALA LUMPUR: South Korea's Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae celebrated a bittersweet Malaysia Open triumph on Sunday, knowing it could be their last title.
The scratch pairing defeated China's Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi 19-21, 21-12, 21-12 in the men's doubles final at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Despite their success, the duo may soon go their separate ways.
The Korean BA (KBA) is experimenting with new partnerships, a process set to conclude by the end of this month.
Seung Jae, a rare talent excelling in both men's and mixed doubles, is a double world champion.
He secured the men's doubles title with Kang Min Hyuk and the mixed doubles crown with Chae Yu Jung at the 2023 World Championships in Copenhagen.
Won Ho also boasts an impressive resume, having won a silver medal with Jeong Na Eun at the Paris Olympics last year, while Seung Jae-Yu Jung narrowly missed out on a podium finish.
Seung Jae's versatility extends to his successful partnership with Jin Yong, winning the China Masters last November.
His adaptability cements his status as the crown jewel of Korean badminton.
Despite their Malaysia Open triumph, uncertainty looms over Seung Jae's next move as the KBA decides on its future pairings amidst ongoing coaching changes.
"We will play as a pair until the end of January. After that, we don't know what's going to happen. Our partnerships will be decided by our coach," said Seung Jae.
"I will play with Won Ho at the India Open next week and then partner Jin Yong at the Indonesia Masters.
"Both Won Ho and Jin Yong are strong players, which makes winning with them possible."
The KBA reportedly removed head coach Kim Ham Kyun and men's doubles coach Han Dong Soon, further complicating the pairing decisions.
Min Hyuk, who is serving in the military but allowed to compete on the World Tour, may reunite with Seung Jae to defend their world title in Paris (Aug 25-31).
"If I partner with Min Hyuk, we'll aim to defend our title, but with a new partner, there will likely be be challengers," Seung Jae admitted.
"I also prefer to focus on men's doubles and will reduce my mixed doubles tournaments."
For now, Wan Ho-Seung Jae aim to continue their winning streak at the India Open, before the former teams up with Jin Yong at the Indonesian Masters, where another title may not be far-fetched.