Paulus believes he can get Kien Keat-Boon Heong firing again

REVIVING Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong's career is not newly-appointed national doubles coach Paulus Firman's only goal as he also wants to turn back-up pair Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong into a world class combination.
Paulus believes Kien Keat-Boon Heong have sufficient time to be ready to battle for the world crown in Guangzhou in August and with commitment and quality input in training, the former Indonesian coach expects the senior pair to regain their form.
"I have spoken to Kien Keat-Boon Heong and will come up with a programme to assist them to battle for the world title. The BA of Malaysia (BAM) has set them a target of reaching the final and it can be achieved if they show commitment and undergo quality training," said Paulus.
"They have been a top pair before and it is not beyond their ability to recapture their old form. They have about five to six months before the World Championships but they must ensure they put in sufficient effort to achieve their target.
"What I need to do now is get to the core of their problems and put them on the right track again. There is plenty to do but I feel they can hit the top again by ironing out their weaknesses."
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, however, will not take up all of Paulus' time.
"I will also focus on Thien How-Wee Kiong as having two quality pairs will work in Malaysia's favour in going for the doubles title in Guangzhou.
"Besides Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae, South Korea also have two strong back-up pairs to complement them. Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (of China) also have good back-ups which makes it easier to target the World Championships.
"It is a little difficult having only one world class pair and Kien Keat-Boon Heong will benefit if Thien How-Wee Kiong and maybe Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah raise their levels."
The All England is other target set for Kien Keat-Boon Heong but with just five weeks left for the tournament, Paulus feels time may not be on their side to achieve success in Birmiangham where all the top pairs will be competing.
While the World Championships will be the prime focus for Kien Kien Keat-Boon Heong, Paulus will be working on different targets for Thien How-Wee Kiong to take them to the next level.
"Thien How's obvious weakness is his physical condition and he must overcome the fitness issues while Wee Kiong has to emphasise more on his skills and tactical game," added Paulus.
"They must win a grand prix gold title this year as that will give them confidence to play like a top 10 pair and also keep improving their performance."
Paulus will be using next two weeks to get insights on the issues ailing Kien Keat-Boon Heong and Thien How-Wee Kiong before coming up with specific programmes, which are set to start after the Chinese New Year festivities.
Courtesy of New Straits Times