Kien Keat and Peng Soon looking forward to new line technology

KUALA LUMPUR: National doubles shuttlers Koo Kien Keat and Chan Peng Soon are looking forward to a new technology to challenge line calls after being victims of “biased” judging.
The World Badminton Federation (BWF) events committee, headed by Paisan Rangsikitpho, have proposed the introduction of new technology – similar to the Hawk-Eye in tennis – to curb poor line calls.
A decision will be made at the world body’s council meeting next month.
If approved, a player will be given a limited number of challenges and the umpire will decide after viewing instant replays on the screen.
Kien Keat and Peng Soon, who are training for the China Open in Shanghai from Nov 13-18, said it was high time that such a technology is used.
Kien Keat will partner Tan Boon Heong in the men’s doubles while Peng Soon will be on double duty – combining with Goh Liu Ying in the mixed doubles and with Lim Khim Wah in the men’s doubles.
Kien Keat, who still remembers the questionable line calls and poor umpiring at this year’s All-England, said the introduction of the new technology would enable the match to be fairly judged.
“This is the fastest racquet sport and, sometimes, the shuttle travels so fast that it could deceive the eyes. So naturally, the new technology will help us judge the line calls accurately. I am all for it,” said Kien Keat.
“Our sport has evolved and come a long way. I hope that with this new technology, human errors can be minimised.”
Peng Soon is happy that the BWF are finally looking into ways to arrest the problem of poor line calls.
“I was so upset during the German Open this year. The shuttle clearly landed out but was called in. I made a big fuss and was shown a yellow card. Things like this can disrupt a player’s concentration,” said Peng Soon.
In the German Open, Peng Soon-Liu Ying lost to Indonesians Mohd Rijal-Debby Susanto 21-19, 18-21, 18-21 in the opening round.