A title for confidence

PAULUS Firman's objective is to help men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong secure a super series title -- a feat they have failed to achieve over the last three years -- before the World Championships in Guangzhou in August.
Although Kien Keat-Boon Heong -- thanks to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) setting the final of the World Championships as their target -- do not have to win anything, Paulus knows nothing will happen in Guangzhou if the pair fail to make an impact in the Super Series.
Their confidence is shattered and Paulus said World No 2 Kien Keat-Boon Heong need a confidence booster in the Super Series if they are to stand a chance in the world meet.
Paulus, who began his job as the national men's doubles coach two weeks ago, has been specifically tasked with reviving Kien Keat-Boon Heong's career but with predecessors Rexy Mainaky and Pang Cheh Chang having failed, he knows he is in for a tough challenge.
Besides the All England on Mar 5-10, there are three other super series events -- India Open in April and the Indonesia and Singapore Opens in June -- before the World Championships.
"They have not won a super series title for a long time (2010 Malaysia Open) and my objective is to guide Kien Keat-Boon Heong to a title before the World Championships. "Winning in the super series will give them confidence and put their title challenge in the World Championships on the right track," said Paulus.
"The All England is just three weeks away and it will be a bit difficult for them to raise their level but there will be several other super series events after that which Kien Keat-Boon Heong can set their sights on.
"After the All England, they have three more events before the World Championships and if they can win one, their bid to win the world title will be stronger."
Kien Keat and Boon Heong began the year by reaching the semi-finals of the Korea Open but conceded a walkover to compatriots Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah in the second round of the Malaysia Open.
The seedings will not be a problem for Kien Keat-Boon Heong as they are still expected to remain in the top four but they need to improve their performance by leaps and bounds to even make the semi-finals of the World Championships.
They have been struggling against almost all the top eight pairs and this is something Paulus needs to find an answer for.
Courtesy of New Straits Times