The up-and-coming Malaysian pair, who were playing at the season-ending tournament for the first time, went down 18-21, 21-16, 14-21 in 73 minutes to the experienced Danes in a match filled with defensive play in Hangzhou, China.

There was bad news for Sze Fei after he injured his right leg when he and Izzuddin were trailing 14-18 in the third game.

Although he was limping, he was forced to play on as the tournament’s rules do not allow the pair to play their remaining group matches if they pull out of a match.

It is not known if he will be fit enough to continue playing in the championships.

Sze Fei-Izzuddin were trailing 9-16 in the second game, and in an epic comeback, the Malaysians took the next 12 points to force a decider.

But aided by Sze Fei’s injury, Astrup-Rasmussen took control of the rubber game to win 21-14.

This is the Danish pair’s seventh win over the Malaysians in their nine meetings so far.