Tan Boon Heong desires to continue his partnership with Koo Kien Keat – Badminton news
Malaysia’s Men’s Doubles player Tan Boon Heong wants to continue playing with his partner Koo Kien Keat as he still believed that they can bring productive results as compared to other partners despite showing a bad performance at 2012 London Olympics.
Boon Heong and Kien Keat, who are currently placed at number seven in Men’s Doubles world placements, are expected to split up by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) considering that they have not won any major tournament for the last 30 months.
However, Boon Heong still believes that they can play together which will be more productive as compared to new partners.
He stated, “Personally, I don’t want to split up with Kien Keat just yet because we have unfinished business and it is of no benefit to anyone if we part ways.”
He further added, “I would prefer to continue my partnership with Kien Keat for at least another two more years – until the 2014 World Champion-ships and Asian Games. In fact, it’s a waste for us to go separate ways considering the years we’ve been together.
But I understand that it’s not our call so we have to let the coaches decide.”
They got off a wonderful start at the London Olympics proving all of their critics wrong by making it to the semi-final stage.
However, Boon Heong and Kien Keat lost to Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China who eventually appeared as the title winners.
In the bronze medal match, the Malaysian shuttlers were up against Korea’s Chung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae.
Boon Heong and Kien Keat were leading in the first game and were at smelling difference of winning it but they failed to make it happen as the Korean shuttlers proved their worth and came from behind to grab the opening game.
The second set was completely lopsided as Jae Sung and Yong Dae easily ended it up with a huge 21-10 margin on the board. The overall score of the match was 23-21 and 21-10.
The decision of Boon Heong and Kien Keat future in badminton will be determined by the officials in the BAM meeting and many expect that they will be playing with different partners as they have not regained their form since January, 2010.
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