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.