Kien Keat confident to land on the podium in India Open 2012 – Badminton News
Men’s Doubles expert of Malaysia Koo Kien Keat is geared up to race for the glory in Yonex Sunrise India Open which will be in full swing in New Delhi from April 24, 2012.
Kien Keat joins hand with Tan Boon Heong and both shuttlers will be striving hard to end their long streak of failures in the Indian event which is the last tournament before Olympic qualification period ends.
Though, the World Number eight pair has already secured its berth in London Olympics but they will be looking to elevate their status in May 3 rankings to get a favourable draw in the mega event.
The 26-year-old member of duo, Kien Keat is in high spirits to shine in the India Open. He vowed to forge a fruitful chemistry with his partner Boon Heong to wipe out the stain of recent All-England failure.
He said, “We have had a solid one month training as part of our preparation for the Open after our second round defeat at the All-England. Boon Heong and I want to get our game going and try to enjoy competing again.”
Malaysian couple is subjected to a tough trial as they will have to surpass hot favourite Korean pair Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae and World Number five Chinese duo Chai Biao-Guo Zhendong to march into the next round.
In later stages of the event, top pairs like Ko Sung Hyun-Yoo Yeon Seong of South Korea, the compatriot duo Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem and the Indonesian couple Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano will come in their way to glory.
However, Kien Keat believes they have sweated a lot in the nets and this will help them to perform beyond expectations in New Delhi.
He said, “We are in better shape thanks to all the hard work in the gym. The fans are expecting some positive results from us ahead of the Olympics and we hope to give them something to cheer about in India.”
Former World Number one pair Kien Keat-Boon Heong reached the pinnacle of their game when they wore gold medals around their necks in Asian Games 2006.
Later in the next year they registered their mark by clinching All-England title. Their last title was Malaysia Open back in 2010 and now they are confident to find their lost form in the Indian event.
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