Tan Fook puts coaching offer in China on hold
News, Tan Fook 9:59 AM
KUANTAN: Men’s doubles shuttler Choong Tan Fook has decided to put on hold an offer to take up a coaching job in China.
He is more interested in having a good time with partner Lee Wan Wah in their last World Championships outing in Hyderabad, India, from Aug 10-16.
The duo, who left the national team after the Beijing Olympics in August and bound by a two-year contract with Victor, have qualified as the third men’s pair for the world meet. The other two are Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.
Tan Fook has made several trips to China this year.
He has been playing in a weekly Challenge Trophy in Guangzhou and also training with his girlfriend Zhang Jiewen.
During one of those visits, the Guangzhou Badminton Association had asked Tan Fook to take up a coaching job with the province.
“I would have probably been there for a total of four weeks this year. These activities have kept me in touch with the game,” said Tan Fook.
“The Guangzhou BA have asked me to join them as a coach but I have to put it on hold first.
“I plan to concentrate on the world meet and also fulfil my obligation to Victor, our personal sponsor, first. It is a good opportunity though as I plan to become a coach when I stop playing.”
Tan Fook, who is likely to quit the game next year, is hoping that his last outing with Wan Wah in the world meet would be a memorable one. “I was surprised when we made the cut. This time there will be no pressure on us. We just want to go there and have a good time,” said Tan Fook.
“That does not mean we are taking our chances lightly.
“Wan Wan and I have been training together since we won the Indian Open (in April). We will give it our best.”
The duo have reached the semi-finals of the world meet twice – Seville in 2001 and Kuala Lumpur in 2007.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 9:59 AM.
Filed under
