How Kim and Seo’s All England journey has mirrored their careers
Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae’s YONEX All England journey is much like their partnership.
Their semi-final victory over He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu of China saw them come from behind after a difficult slow start.
From there, they found their groove to triumph 16-21 21-13 21-13 and set up a showpiece with fellow unseeded pairing Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana of Indonesia.
Earlier in the tournament they beat the number two seeds Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin of Malaysia, with the Korean pair coming from behind to clinch the first game.
From there, they powered to their maiden win over Goh and Izzuddin, having suffered a three-game defeat against them earlier in the year.
Progress is always being made for the pair, who have now reached three consecutive finals, topping the podium in one, with another opportunity coming on Sunday.
“I think we do play better compared to the beginning of our partnership,” Seo said.
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“We’ve been trying to focus on what we’re individually good at and try to create better harmony and we’ve been trying really hard to improve the partnership. There’s still room for improvement, which we’re working on.
“I think for Won Ho, he keeps up his physical fitness level very well on court and off court, and he’s very diligent about maintaining his fitness, which I need to learn from.”
With Kim tasked with paying a compliment back to Seo, the pair began to laugh with the friendship at the heart of their partnership clear to see.
Kim responded: “What you see today is all from learning from and admiring from Seo. I am the outcome of those things.”
Seo interjected: “He’s trying so hard to think of something that isn’t there!”
Their will to win was on full display in the last four as they booked a maiden All England final appearance.
National pride is now on the line with Indonesia having won the last three men’s doubles titles in Birmingham, while Korea last topped the podium in 2012.
Whatever happens, Kim and Seo know they will be well supported within the Utilita Arena, as the pair are fan favourites.
Seo said: “There were a lot of cheers from the crowd. It’s such an honour for us to be able to play at such a big tournament.
“We get great positive energy from the crowd as well, which we will take into the final and try to play well.”
With their match last on in Birmingham, they will have plenty of time to prepare for the biggest game of their career but both will making sure that any thoughts of victory are from their mind.
“It feels like a dream that might not come back again,” Kim said. “I feel grateful to be able to play with Seung Jae at such a big tournament.
“Winning has always been our ultimate goal and obviously we want to win the title, but it is important to focus on the match itself first before we can think about the title.”
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Photo courtesy of Badmintonphoto
