Kien Keat to reunite with Boon Heong for world meet


The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has submitted Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong's name for the World Championship in August. - filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: Former national shuttler Koo Kien Keat has been given a lifeline to play for Malaysia in the World Championships. 

The 29-year-old Kien Keat will reunite with Tan Boon Heong in Copenhagen from Aug 25-31 after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed their entries. 

Kien Keat-Boon Heong had qualified on merit for the World Championships by virtue of being the world No. 24 pair. Two other Malaysian qualifiers ranked ahead of them are Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong (7th) and Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah (19th).
 
A country can have a maximum of three pairs if they are ranked within the top 24 bracket. 

Initially, Kien Keat’s participation was unclear because he had quit the national team in March but BAM’s secretary Ng Chin Chai confirmed on Monday that they had accepted Kien Keat-Boon Heong’s entry. 

Chin Chai said that it would benefit Malaysia to have three pairs in the fray.

“Boon Heong is still with BAM and it will be a waste if we do not allow him to play with Koo in Copengahen. We have confirmed their entries with the world body,” said Chin Chai. 

“With Koo and Boon Heong in the squad, we can have quality sparing sessions among the men’s doubles qualifiers. It will also benefit Khim Wah-V Shem and Thien How-Wee Kiong.”

Kien Keat, who has been coaching and playing for Thailand-based Granular badminton club since leaving BAM, is happy to be given another chance and has promised to deliver. 

“I have spoken to Boon Heong about this and we are ready for the world championships. This will be our last chance to come good. We have two more months to work at it. My most memorable outing in the world meet is a runners-up finish in Paris (2010) and hopefully, we can give a strong performance again,” added Kien Keat.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Badminton

New ranking boosts Pang Ron-Su Yin’s hopes in Birmingham
Much calmer duo Man-Tee out to advance further than first round at All-England
Criticisms only push me to work harder with Ee Wei, says Tang Jie
lKian Meng won’t shy away from camera even after retirement
Pei Jing parts way with Kian Meng at All-England and begins anew with young Jimmy
Alwi, Hu Zhean spice up men’s singles, but M’sia still lack new faces
Indonesia stun China to win first Asia Mixed Team crown
China playing ‘musical chairs’ with their doubles combo for Swiss Open
Jonassen: Justin must change shot variations fast to improve
Rosman: We must accept women’s doubles weaknesses and improve them

Others Also Read