Big task: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani hope to rediscover the form that won them the German Open and helped them reach the Swiss Open final in March.
PETALING JAYA: There is no time to take it easy.
National men’s doubles coach Tan Bin Shen wants the squad to start preparing from now on for the 2024 Paris Olympics although the qualification period only starts in May next year.
Bin Shen, who played an important role alongside doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky in guiding national No. 1 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik to a historic world title last month in Tokyo, is already turning his attentions to his next big goal – ensuring two pairs qualify for the Olympics.
For this to come to fruition, there must be two pairs ranked in the world’s top eight before the end of the Olympic qualifying period.
For now, only Aaron-Wooi Yik occupy a spot in the top-eight after their success in Tokyo lifted them to No. 5 in the world.
Independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (No. 9) are the closest behind them, followed by Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (No. 11) and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 28).
Now, Bin Shen is determined to guide both Sze Fei-Izzuddin and Wei Chong-Kai Wun to the top eight.
“Our goal is to ensure that two pairs qualify for the Olympics. The qualification period starts next May but the players need to start preparing now to be in the best position when it starts,” said Bin Shen.
Bin Shen also hopes Sze Fei-Izzuddin can rediscover the form that won them the German Open and helped them reach the Swiss Open final in March.
After that, the pair reached the semi-finals of the Asian Championships in May and Malaysian Open in July but have not quite managed to maintain the same level since.
“Sze Fei and Izzuddin need to stay positive and keep encouraging each other. Aaron-Wooi Yik also struggled so much but never gave up and managed to go on and win the world title.
“So, I believe that Sze Fei-Izzuddin can learn from this and come good,” added Bin Shen.
