Doubles ace may retire after Olympics

KOO Kien Keat has left it to the BA of Malaysia (BAM) and its coaches to decide on his partnership with Tan Boon Heong but believes the pair can still deliver.

Koo Kien Keat (front) and Tan Boon Heong are lacking confidence.

BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Salleh  said on Wednesday that the pair have stagnated and should be split after the Olympics but men's doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her has not revealed his  plans for them.
"The decision to split us is beyond our control. I am also not sure whether I will continue playing and might retire after the Olympics. But it is still too early to say," said Kien Keat.

"I believe if we have the hunger to succeed after the Olympics, we can still perform as a pair."

However, Kim Her is more concerned about their challenge in London where their target is to win a medal but their current form suggests otherwise.

"Let us make a decision on Kien Keat-Boon Heong after the Olympics.

"They need to be more confident and need the support of everyone as they prepare for the Olympics," said Kim Her.

"But they must improve on their mental strength and also think positive. In terms of defence, they have improved but they need to be more aggressive.

"Their fitness level is much better but they lack confidence when playing top pairs.

"I will discuss with Pang Cheh Chang to come up with new ideas and methods to help them so that they will be well prepared for the Olympics."

Kim Her is also banking on Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah to be more consistent and start beating top pairs. He has also identified two other combinations --  Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi and Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kah Ming -- to groom for the 2016 Olympics.

Kim Her said both pairs have shown marked improvement and will be the ones to watch out for in the next two years.

The coach is also expected to request for an additional coach to help the national team after South Korean Yoo Yong Sung's departure.

Former women's doubles coach Chang Kim Wai, currently with Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), could be roped in.
Courtesy of New Straits Times