In 2006, being the unseeded pair in the Doha Asian Games, these two young lads shocked the badminton world when they nailed the Gold medal in the games. Rexy Mainaky, former badminton legend from the land of Hidayat's and Wijaya's, Indonesia, was the catalyst behind this pair's success.After the Asian games success, they were known for their exuberant style of play and variations of attacking game. Many pairs around the world including world no 1 pair, Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng have always loved the competition from the two young Malaysians.
Having won the All England Championship, Malaysian Cup, Swiss Open and Denmark Super Series in 2007, they were the pair to watch as pairs like Alven Yulianto-Luluk Hadiyanto, Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan and Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng thread caution against them.
They were ruling the blocks till 2009 and they were expected to perform in the 2008 Olympics. However, they didn't perform up to expectations and since then, their 'Yo-yo' form was a source of concern for many Malaysian.
With millions hopes being placed on them, their inconsistency has seen them some tournaments and bow out so early in other tournaments. Their once invincible presence is now being undermined and in the 2011 World Championships, they were tamed by the 2nd best korean pair, Koo Sung Hyeun and Hoo Yeon Seong in the quarter finals.
If they had lost in a respectable manner like Chong Wei did in the finals, it would have been praised. However, their lethargic and clueless performance against the Korean pair were ridiculed by many quarters.
Being a fan of their prowess in doubles, I was appalled by their display and I expected better for them. What happened to their drive? Has Kien Keat grown delusional with badminton? Are they comitted to the cause? Many questions linger in our minds.
Once dubbed as the next Ng Boon Bee, Koo Kien Keat(who hails from the same school as Ng Boon Bee, St. Michael, Ipoh) was lauded as one the best defensive shuttlers in the circuit. Being able to retrieve any shots, he was an idol for many badminton fans around Malaysia.
Go to St Michael, and say the Koo Kien Keat, the students will be showering praises for the lad. However, his recent performances have been ridiculed by many and as an Anderson student, I was glad that we are able to shut the St.Michael lads for the moment(hehehehe..=P)
Koo Kien Keat's performance has been questioned as many are doubting his commitment towards the Malaysian team. Once dubbed as a playboy and man, who is always after entertainment in his life, his consistency changes like his hair style.
Tan Boon Heong, who holds the record for the fastest smash in the world, looks like a determined lad but his erratic performances lately have worried many badminton enthusiast around the world. The man who finishes off rallies with ease and breaks opponents ego with his jumping smashes, was a different enigma against Ko-Hoo.
Only 23, time is still on his side. His partnership with Koo has reaped rewards but recent performance, have seen calls for them to be split up.
My answer to this, they shouldn't be split up. Koo, who is 26 this year whereas Tan who has time on his side should continue as our country's main pair.
Koo, who once echoed that they do not have quality sparring partners, can now rely on, Mohd Zakry Latif- Hoo Thien How as they sparring partners. Zakry and Hoo have also impressed many enthusiast but Rexy is giving them some time to become a formidable air.
Though, they were out early in many competitions but their drive to impress has been lauded by many people. Once they faced Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan(One pair who have been painfully consistent for many years) and the Malaysian lad nearly caused an upset against the favoured Indonesian pair.
Koo-Tan should so some soul searching and shouldn't rely solely upon Rexy Mainaky. Rexy, who has been a father figure for both of them, has done all he can to nourish these lads but from now on, they have to carry with their challenge and push themselves to become better shuttlers in the world circuit.
Rexy, who has said that he wants Koo-Tan to nail the gold medal for olympics next year. Eventhough, their yo-yo form is a cause for concern, but Rexy has time to push these lads. Koo, should be serious towards the cause whereas Tan, has room to grow and he will become a tough exponent in the years to come.
Moves to split them will do no good and BAM should also make efforts to improve their players. Those days, BAM had the luxury of proven back up players but now, the search for the next Chong Wei and Koo-Tan has been shambolic so far.
The state of badminton in our country is at a one dimensional state as they rely heavily on Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong. What has Ng Chin Chai and James Selvaraj. James Selvaraj was rcently in the headlines as he claimed that he was being notified of any matter pertaining about BAM. Are they paying him to just sit at home and goyang kaki!
If they want their players to improve, BAM itself should make strides to improve their strata. Sponsors will come on but for how long? The moment the Chong Wei era ends, who will replace him? Without a top shuttler, BAM will lose their sponsors.
BAM should improve themselves first before moving on to other things. The non usage of High Performance Manager have been ridiculed by many and maybe It's about time, BAM appoint much better analyst( someone like OPTA would do a world of good for them)
There are many things that can be discussed about our badminton scene. Apart from Lee Chong Wei, other matters should be handled diligently and everyone, whether it's Koo-Tan, Rexy, BAM or James, they should make an effort to curb the ever increasing problems that have bogged them for many years.
Avinesh's verdict: BAM, change your style, and you will see changes...Players would surely love being part of BAM if changes come..Don't want episodes like K.Yogendran and the Tan Bin Shen- Gan Teik Chai to crop up again..With old ones still looming, new ones can be DETRIMENTAL!
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