New mission: Tan Kian Meng (right) and Lai Pei Jing
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Tan Kian Meng has quit the national team to start his journey as a professional player with Lai Pei Jing.
Kian Meng was spared from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)'s trimming exercise on Sunday but his partner Pei Jing was dropped together with four others for under-performing at the back-to-back tournaments in Thailand last month.
Besides Pei Jing, the other axed were Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Vivian Hoo and Soniia Cheah.
Soon Huat-Shevon and Soniia however, will continue to play in Europe next month in the Swiss Open, German Open and All-England, as the national body have decided to fund their trip.
Kian Meng said he still had a shot with Pei Jing to qualify for the Olympics and would stand by his partner.
"I've informed BAM of my decision and they have accepted it. I will continue to play with Pei Jing as a professional player," said Kian Meng.
"I've not given up hope as I believe Pei Jing and I can still play good badminton. We will continue to pursue our Olympics dream," he added.
