PUTRAJAYA: The woeful run of Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong continues.
On Friday, national doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang said Boon Heong was down with viral fever and it would take some time for him to recover. And Cheh Chang has withdrawn their names from the Korean Open in Seoul from Jan 8-13.
The duo also did not take part in the BWF’s Super Series Finals this month because Kien Keat suffered an eye infection.
“Kien Keat is well and good and is back in training but the problem now is with Boon Heong,” said Cheh Chang during the ongoing National Grand Prix Finals at Precinct 11 Sport Complex on Friday.
“Boon Heong had high fever and there were rashes all over his body. He was admitted in hospital for three days. Doctors said that it will take some time to recover.
“I spoke to them and decided it was best they skip the Korean Open. I am confident that Boon Heong will be alright for the Malaysian Open (Jan 15-20).”
Currently, Kien Keat-Boon Heong are ranked seventh in the world and are just one rung above the most improved pair, Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong.
The third ranked pair is world No. 16 Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem, who have decided to give their partnership another shot at making the grade.
Besides the three top pairs, Cheh Chang also handles Ow Yao Han-Teo Kok Siang and Teo Ee Yi-Chooi Kah Ming. National coach Tan Kim Her handles another six back-up shuttlers in the national team.
Cheh Chang said that he still harboured hope in Kien Keat-Boon Heong to do well next year.
“For now, all I need from them is commitment and so far, we are working on it. I am confident they still can contribute,” added Cheh Chang.
For the record, Kien Keat-Boon Heong’s best achievement this year is a runners-up finish at the French Open in October. They however, have yet to win a Super Series title since winning the Malaysian Open in 2010.
