Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong to remain partners until 2013 World Championships
Malaysia’s Men’s Doubles best players Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, who wanted to play together for at least two more years, have got a chance to deliver performance until the World Championships 2013.
However, Ng Chin Chai, the secretary of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said that the decision will be made in the meeting of Coaching and Training Committee, which is expected to take place in the opening week of September.
Kien Keat and Boon Heong, who are World Number 7 at the moment, could not live up to the expectations at London Olympics and returned home empty handed which forced BAM to think about their separation as a pair and adjust them with different partners.
However, both shuttlers wanted to get one more chance and are expected to remain together until next year’s World Championships.
Another option is underway that they will play together in major tournaments including Premier Super Series and Super Series in order to maintain their ranking in the top pairs.
They will also be partnered with different players in lower ranked tournaments including Grand Prix and Grand Prix Gold to judge their performance.
Chin Chai also expressed that Kien Keat and Boon Heong will be transferring their expertise to younger shuttlers in the meantime which will enhance their skills.
He stated, “This may help expedite the progress of the youngsters. But there could be a one year transition period, where we give Koo and Tan a shot at coming good at the world meet while allowing them to transfer their expertise and knowledge to younger
players at the same time. We will meet after the Hari Raya holidays to discuss their future.”
Chin Chai also said that BAM’s 12-year plan to produce more shuttlers will also remain continue.
He added, “We are certainly going for some changes to strengthen our programme. We will review the coaching set-up and our training programme.”
Kien Keat and Boon Heong failed to deliver well in London Olympics losing semi-final and bronze medal matches.
However, their wish to remain together for another chance is expected to be granted for another year until the 2013 World Championships.
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