Wan Wah-Tan Fook can get cracking, thanks to Victor
News, Tan Fook, Wan Wah 11:00 AM
KUALA LUMPUR: Seasoned men’s doubles campaigners Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah would love to take another crack at next year’s All-England badminton championships after two runner-up finishes.
For now, they want to get their act right in the next three tournaments as independent players — the Johor Open (Nov 11-14), China Open (Nov 18-23) and Hong Kong Open (Nov 25-30).
The duo ended their careers with the national team after failing to win any medals in their third Olympic Games outing in Beijing in August.
Yesterday, the duo received a shot in the arm after securing a two-year sponsorship deal with Far East Victor Sport Sdn Bhd.
Wan Wah said the deal could not have come at a better time as he braces himself for a hectic end to the season.
“Victor used to sponsor us when we (Tan Fook and Wan Wah) were playing for our state (Perak) during our junior days.
“Now, we have renewed that partnership.
“We are thankful to them for sponsoring our equipment for the next two years,” said Wan Wah.
Wan Wah-Tan Fook, the 2004 and 2006 All-England runners-up, are also on cloud nine after signing a deal with their employers, Maybank, as one of their corporate sponsors.
“It looks like Tan Fook and I are going to play on for another two years because of our obligations with the sponsors,” said Wan Wah.
He added that their performances in the next three tournaments would be used to gauge their capability for next year’s challenges, which include the first two majors — the Malaysian Open in January and the All-England in March.
“The Johor Open will be our first tournament after the Beijing Games.
“It will a good testing ground,” said Wan Wah.
“Our first international meet is the China Open and it will be even tougher.
“We have not set any targets but we are certainly planning to give others a run for their money.
“For now, we have a more realistic chance of competing in the Asian tournaments because they are more affordable. It will cost us more to go to Europe.
“We will continue to look for sponsors. One of our targets is to make the trip to the All-England again.”
Wan Wah will also be playing in the Japan League, representing Osaka Tricky Panders, from Dec 8-18. Tan Fook, however, will not join him there.
Tan Fook-Wan Wah are currently ranked 16th in the world.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 11:00 AM.
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