What Now For Koo And Tan?

SINGAPORE, June 17 (Bernama) -- Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, the number one seeds, crashed out of the Li Ning Singapore Open and now questions must be asked of the duo's ability to push themselves to the forefront of world badminton.

The Malaysian pair were nowhere in contention, going down tamely 19-21, 13-21 to South Korea's Ko Sung Hyun/Yoo Yeon Seong in the second round of the men's doubles and their performance has left a trail of unanswered questions.

Where was their fighting spirit when they needed it most and where was their ability to kill off their opponent when they were at the top and since they could not find an answer to any, they surrendered their match meekly, especially in the second game, which left behind a sour taste in those who had come to the Indoor stadium to support the Malaysian top pair.

When they met the last time in the final of the Swiss Open in March, it was a closer affair though the Koreans went on to win 21-16, 21-18.

"I admit Koo and Tan could not match the speed of the Koreans today and there will be plenty of hard work for them as the World Championships is approaching," said national doubles coach Rexy Mainaky.

But while Koo and Tan fell, the other Malaysian pair, Gan Teik Chai/Tan Bin Shen marched into the last eight with a 23-21, 21-16 win over Indonesia's Muhammad Ahsan and Bona Septan.

The world number 15 pair, will now play the conquerors of Tan and Koo in the last eight, tomorrow and for Teik Chai, the Singapore Open holds fond memories for him.

"Two years ago I made it to the semis with Woon Lin Fui only to lose to Zakry Latiff and Fairuzizuan Tazari. I have a different partner now but my aim is still the same, to make it to the final at least.

"And to tell the truth we prefer to play the Koreans instead of Koo and Tan. They don't know much about us and therefore there is the element of surprise, which is good for us as the underdog," said Teik Chai.

Malaysia's singles challenge, apart from world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei, ended today with the loss of Hafiz Hashim to Holland's Dicky Palyama 8-21, 13-21 in their second round match and the defeat of Wong Choon Hann to Vietnam's Nguyen Tien Minh 5-21, 21-16 in their postponed opening round match.

Source from BERNAMA