PETALING JAYA: Former national coach Kwan Yoke Meng believes Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah and Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei are primed for a strong SEA Games campaign – and he made sure they left for Thailand with both full stomachs and full spirits.
Before the squad departed, the three shuttlers visited Yoke Meng’s home for a simple meal, a tradition they share whenever their schedules allow.
The 59-year-old, who coached them during their junior years, wanted to send them off with encouragement ahead of a hectic stretch that includes not only the SEA Games but also the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou the following week.
“We just had a simple meal and I wanted to wish Pearly, Thinaah and Ee Wei good luck for the SEA Games and the World Tour Finals,” said Yoke Meng, who was part of the 1992 Thomas Cup winning team.
“Usually, every two to three months, we have a get-together in my house. They have busy schedules and will call me when they are free.
“They’ve been in great form this year, and I hope they keep it going,” said Yoke Meng.
Pearly-Thinaah and Tang Jie-Ee Wei have indeed enjoyed a fine year so far and will be Malaysia’s best bets for gold in the SEA Games.
World No. 2 Pearly-Thinaah already have three titles to their names this year in the Thailand Open, Arctic Open and Japan Masters.
The duo also became the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to win a medal in the World Championships when they claimed silver in Paris in August.
At the same tournament, Tang Jie–Ee Wei went one better, capturing Malaysia’s first-ever mixed doubles world title. The duo also lifted the Australian Open crown last month.
In the SEA Games, the men’s and women’s team events will be held first, followed by the individual event from Dec 11-14 at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani.
