Rexy: Kien Keat will benefit from China League experience

Posted by Lucas Liau Top News 1:47 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Doubles shuttler Koo Kien Keat intends to use the one-day match in China as a learning experience which, he hopes, will then stand him in good stead at the All-England in Birmingham from March 9-13.
National coach Rexy Mainaky said yesterday that he had given his blessings for Kien Keat to play in the China League from Feb 16-17 in Beijing.
Kien Keat is available to play in China because he did not qualify for the National Grand Prix Finals, which will be held in Kuala Terengganu from Feb 18-21.
His partner Tan Boon Heong had made the cut with Hoon Thien How in the men’s doubles and with Chin Eei Hui in the mixed doubles.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have made it compulsory for all national shuttlers to compete in the local tournament but, since Kien Keat missed the cut, Rexy felt that his player would benefit from the stint in China.
Rexy hoped that the match play would be refreshing for Kien Keat, who is trying to regain his confidence.
“Koo will not go to Kuala Terengganu and, rather than training alone here, we decided that it would be best for him to accept the invitation and to go and play in the China League,” said Rexy.
“After all, it is only a one-day event for him although he will be in China for three days.
“It will be a good experience for him to play against all the aspiring Chinese doubles players in the league. It will give him more ideas.
“I am also hoping that this stint will boost his self-confidence.”
Besides Kien Keat, Boon Heong and world No. 1 singles ace Lee Chong Wei will also play in the China League but at a later date.
Rexy said he would be focusing on Kien Keat-Boon Heong’s weaknesses during training so as to get them back on track ahead of the German Open (March 1-6) and the All-England.
The duo are seeking to hit top form again after their winless run in the Super Series Masters Finals, Malaysia Open and South Korea Open.
“We (Rosman Razak and I) have assessed their game in all three tournaments last month. The training will be focused on helping them regain their confidence,” he said.
Besides Kien Keat-Boon Heong, Rexy is also preparing Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Thien How and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Ong Soon Hock for the GP Finals and both the tournaments in Europe.