Kien Keat, Boon Heong silence their critics with a semi-final entry – Indonesia Open Update
Much criticised Men’s Doubles experts Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong finally gave a strong statement by securing a berth in semi-finals of Djarum Indonesia Open on Friday, June 15, 2012.
The Malaysian couple blew away Patipat Chalardchaleam-Nipitphon Puangpuapech of Thailand in quarter-final match which was played at Istora Senayan Stadium of Jakarta.
They took just 26 minutes in court to seal a splendid straight-set victory with favourable margin of 21-11 and 21-15.
However, it is not end of all hurdles as they are subjected to a tough trial in semi-final round where they will lock horns with World Number three Danish pair Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen.
They have overpowered pairs like Angga Pratama-Ryan Agung Saputra and Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari so far in this Super Series tournament and they utilised that confidence in round of eight also.
The eight seeded duo of the event Kien Keat-Boon Heong employed unbeatable tactics throughout this two-set battle against Thai pair and outclassed them in all areas of game.
In first set of the match, they laid foundation of an early advantage by clinching five points without any interruption.
Though, they faltered in next couple of rallies which allowed their challengers to narrow the gap at 7-5 but they accelerated their pace and placed a dominating total of 11-6 until mid-game break.
Later part of the game saw Patipat and Nipitphon making swift progress and raising their score from 6 to 9. Their short run was ended when the opposing team placed a mountainous margin of 18-9.
The inexperienced Thai shuttlers could not hold pressure of this situation and surrendered after reading concluding figure of 21-11.
Next game was also not much thrilling and captivating as it remained in Malaysia’s favour from very first shot to the last one.
World Number eight duo Kien Keat-Boon Heong established an unassailable lead with 11-5 and then maintained this six-point advantage until final result of 21-15.
This badminton tournament is part of their training plan for London Olympics and this timely revival of their lost form will surely help them in the mega event which will be in full swing from July 27, 2012.
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