PETALING JAYA: Doubles shuttler Tan Kok Xian is not ready to give up on his dream of earning a spot in the national set-up.
And Kok Xian is hoping that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will at least consider him for selection after capturing the gold medal in the men’s doubles with national player Tee Kai Wun at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) for Melaka on Saturday.
“I played with Kai Wun about five years ago in a few national circuit tournaments.
“So, when I found out that we were going to be paired together for the Sukma, I was happy and wanted to go all out to win the gold.
“I am hoping that my performances will be noted and I will be considered for the national team.
“I had been rejected once by BAM when I was 17. I hope they will give me another chance,” said Kok Xian.
Kok Xian and Kai Wun are both 22 but the latter has already established himself as one of the elite men’s doubles pairs in BAM along with Man Wei Chong but the former is still finding his feet as an independent player.
Kok Xian has been playing together with Tan Yi Han for around a year and the duo are currently 214th in the world while Kai Wun-Wei Chong are way ahead at No. 36.
Kok Xian though, certainly seems to have make an impression on Kai Wun.
“He played really well throughout and always gave his best,” said Kai Wun.
Kok Xian too was grateful for the opportunity to play with Kai Wun and learn from him.
“I learnt a lot from him. His game is also more stable than mine,” said Kok Xian.
Currently, Kok Xian is training under coach Chin Eei Hui along with Yi Han and other independent pairs like Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and mixed doubles pairs Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.
Kok Xian is looking to maintain his good form when he plays with Yi Han in the Vietnam Open which starts today.
The pair will open their campaign against Japan’s Keigo Sonoda-Mahiro Kaneko.
