Audacity of Hope - Time for a change for Koo and Tan...

After 5 years of nurture and care, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong has bid adieu to Indonesian Badminton legend and Malaysia's Doubles Chief Coach, Rexy Mainaky.

Rexy, who first unearth these talents, claimed a cult status among the Malaysian fans after helping Koo and Tan to win the Asian games Gold medal in 2006. After that, they were unbeatable and top pairs like Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng, Lee Yong Dae-Joo Jae Sung and Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan were scalped by these Malaysian pair.

However, after their high flying start, they endured a yo yo performance for the past 2 years. At one point, they are unbeatable and at another point, they perform aimlessly.

This year, the pair were in for a rude shock as they were beaten by Korean Koo Sung Hyeun and Yoo Yoon Seong in the World Championships at Wembley. If they had fought hard, the critics would have been kind but their usual flair and defensive play were not evident during the game.

Rexy had to shoulder the blame and as their main coach, he defended the pair and he also had to defend himself, as researches and analysis showed that the problem lies in the training programme. Unable to stand the decision, Rexy has lambasted the officials for not understanding the true depth of the training.

However, today, The Star reported that Tan-Koo will now switch coaches and Rexy, who was desolate with the decision, kept a brave face and wished them well in their future endeavors.

The world no 5 pair have earmarked Pang Cheh Chang to revive their careers. Handling the Women's Doubles department, Pang Cheh Chang have coached Tan Boon Heong during his time at the Bukit Jalil Sports School and it was he who guided Tan and Hoo Thien How in the World Junior Championships in 2005.

The players remained professional and said that the decision was made with the consent of Rexy. They have blamed themselves for their failures and have said that Rexy has done his part in guiding them to where they are today.

However, recent mixed performances from them has made them realise the need fora new set up and they believe that Pang is the man to change their fortunes.

They have stated that they are not undermining the work or Rexy but they felt the need to do something in order for them to rekindle their glory days.

Whatever happens, my wishes go to Tan and Koo to revive their fortunes and I hope, Rexy would turn Vountus Indra Mawan and Mohd Lutfi Zaim Abdul Khalid into world beaters like how he did to the world number 5 duo.

Times are changing, and we just need to hope that these changes are the betterment for our country's badminton fortunes.

Avinesh Verdict: Zakry-Fairuzizuan out, Tan-Koo in need of fresh air...Rexy has to be strong and find his coaching swagger back..=)