The only solid pair in the national squad are the much-maligned Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong combination as Kim Her has been experimenting with the other partnerships under his charge.
His job was made even more difficult when several players – Teo Kok Siang, Chooi Kah Ming and Mak Hee Chun – suffered injuries last year, thus forcing him to reshuffle the doubles line-ups repeatedly.
Now he has a full squad available at his disposal, following the successful returns of long-term knee injury victims Kok Siang and Kah Ming.
Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah, who have forged a strong combination and are currently ranked 29th in the world, will remain as a pair.
The changes, however, will see Tan Wee Kiong (pic) teaming up with Hoon Thien How while 2008 world junior champions Hee Chun-Kok Siang will be reunited.
The other pairs in the squad will be Mohd Lufti Zaim-Vountus Indra Mawan and the two world junior pairings of Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi and Kah Ming-Ow Yao Han.
“This is to build the squad to focus on the future. There will be no more trials and experiments,” said Kim Her.
“The Australian Open next week will be the last experimental tournament. After that, the players will have to stick to the combinations that we have decided.
“Most importantly, however, is that they’re happy with their partners and comfortable playing with one another.
“I’ve spoken to each player and they are happy with the arrangements.
“For now, we have an important four-month period where everyone in the doubles squad will help Kien Keat-Boon Heong in their preparations for the Olympics as well as the Thomas Cup.”
Kim Her also said that three pairs – Thien How-Wee Kiong, V Shem-Khim Wah and Lufti-Vountus – will be entered for the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC), which will be held in Qingdao, China, from April 17-22.
Courtesy of The Star
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