Malaysia Open: Unpredictability Powers Kim/Seo
The two-match-old pairing of Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae marched into the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 quarterfinals after another straight games win at Axiata Arena on Thursday.
· PREM KUMAR
It came at the expense of Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang – the highest remaining men’s doubles seeds following Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen’s first round defeat on Monday to another new pair Chiu Hsiang Chieh/Wang Chi-Lin. Kim/Seo saw off homesters Junaidi Arif/Yap Roy King 21-17 21-11 in their opener.
Although they were partners from 2017-2019, Kim and Seo have not played together for six years. Reflecting on the 39-minute, 21-17 21-16 win, Seo pointed out that the opponents’ unfamiliarity with their style proved advantageous.
“Them not knowing what to expect worked in our favour,” said the 27-year-old two-time world champion. “They didn't play much defence. That, combined with speed, is what they are good at.”