Kien Keat-Boon Heong need three games to down lowly Chinese pair
Top News 3:01 PM
HOTSHOTS Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong flirted with danger before checking into the men’s doubles third round in the World Badminton Championships at the Wembley Arena yesterday.
The fourth seeds were taken to the distance by China’s lowest ranked pair of Liu Xiaolong-Qui Zihan before prevailing 21-6, 20-22, 21-15.
Today, they will take Taiwan’s Chen Hung-ling-Lin Yu-lang, whom they have beaten in the last three meetings.
Huge relief: Coach Rexy Mainaky (right) congratulating Koo Kien Keat (left) and Tan Boon Heong after their second round win over China’s Liu Xiaolong-Qui Zihan yesterday.
After a brilliant start, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were made to look like novices in the second game by the fiery attacking greenhorns.
Forced to withdraw into their defensive shell, the Malaysians lost the second game 20-22.
The strong showing by the Chinese created panic in the Malaysian camp because Kien Keat-Boon Heong had lost to a lower ranked Chinese pair in similar fashion in the opening round of the Malaysian Open in January.
Fortunately, there was no such repeat as the Malaysians regained their touch to romp home triumphantly.
Boon Heong attributed their roller-coaster performance to “first-round jitters”.
“It was our first match in the tournament and, naturally, we had to make some adjustments. What is important is that we recovered and it all ended well,” said Boon Heong.
“They forced us to retreat to a defensive game and that limited our movement. Overall, we are happy with our game.”
Kien Keat admitted that they would have to fine-tune their game.
“Being our first match, I think the way we won it is acceptable. But we cannot continue to play like this,” said Kien Keat.
“We must settle down quickly and keep our focus throughout the match. The matches will get tougher and we have to be mentally prepared.”
National coach Rexy Mainaky also paid tribute to the Chinese youngsters for changing their strategy in the second game.
“They did not give Koo and Tan room to control the front and prevented the Malaysians from going for broke in their attacks. It was quite tense but I am glad our guys pulled through,” said Rexy.
“There have been quite a number of upsets in this tournament and the top players are taking their time to settle down.
“I hope it will be smooth sailing from now on.”
China were still all smiles yesterday when their second ranked pair of Chai Biao-Guo Zhengdong defeated Ireland’s Sam Magee-Tony Stephenson 21-11, 21-10.
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