PETALING JAYA: Go Pei Kee has been given a second chance to represent the national badminton team, but her return comes with a catch.
The 24-year-old will be rejoining the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) on Sunday (Nov 1), just days after her former women’s doubles partner Teoh Mei Xing announced her retirement from the national team.
Pei Kee had parted ways with BAM at the start of the year in a surprise decision to “rediscover herself”, but her comeback will see her switching focus to mixed doubles, with her place in the national squad far from guaranteed.
“It’s not an automatic offer,” said BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh.
“Pei Kee is given a six-month probation in the national squad for the mixed doubles department.
“This probation will enable the coaches to make further evaluation on her potential, overall performance and her commitment.
“Her progress will be reported every three months before a final decision on her status is made.”
Despite the conditions attached to her return, Kenny said the decision to welcome Pei Kee back was based on the coaching team’s belief that she still had plenty to offer.
“Upon consulting the coaches, they felt she still has some potential to contribute as she is still young.
“But it is only logical for her to be tested before drafting her fully into the national squad.”
Pei Kee had previously enjoyed a promising spell in women’s doubles alongside Mei Xing, with the pair reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 18 during their one-and-a-half-year partnership.
However, the move to mixed doubles will not be unfamiliar territory for Pei Kee, who previously partnered Choong Hon Jian and reached world No. 35 before teaming up with Mei Xing.
While Pei Kee has been given the opportunity to revive her national career, Kenny also confirmed that her potential mixed doubles partner has yet to be determined.
“She will be tested before we make any final decision.”
A reunion with Hon Jian appears unlikely for now, as he is currently focused on the men’s doubles event alongside Wong Vin Sean.
