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Coach: New plan can save Koo-Tan

single
IT has been attempted before but doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang believes a revamped training programme will help Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong bounce back from their slump. According to Cheh Chang, the World No 5 pair need a slight change in their game to re-establish themselves among the world's top four pairs.

"Kien Keat-Boon Heong are not thinking enough on court unlike the top pairs from China, South Korea and Europe," said Cheh Chang after an informal meeting between coaches and BA of Malaysia (BAM) officials in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

"They need to elevate their game to the next level like what China's Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng and Korea's Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae have done.
"Tan Kim Her (head coach) and I are working closely to find solutions. Anyway, I have started implementing changes to their game."

Cheh Chang, however, said Kien Keat-Boon Heong are still Malaysia's best bet for gold at the London Olympic Games.

"Kien Keat and Boon Heong have quality but tend to be individualistic at times. They need to implement new strategies to remain relevant," added the coach.

"We have to help them regain their form and confidence.

"I am confident Kien Keat-Boon Heong will be medallists in London."

Kien Keat-Boon Heong, gold medallists, at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, lost 21-16, 21-19 to Denmark's World No 13 Mads Conrad-Petersen-Jonas Rasmussen in last week's French Open second round.

This came in the wake of their embarrassing first-round defeat to South Korea's No 3 Kwon Yi Goo-Cho Gun Woo in the recent Denmark Open.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong made headlines in September when they said they wanted Cheh Chang as their new coach over Rexy Mainaky to revive their careers, which BAM agreed to.

However, the pair's performances have instead dipped to an all-time low.

Cheh Chang claimed Kien Keat-Boon Heong have been working extremely hard in training.

"In fact, they are putting in extra hours. I believe they have lost confidence, so this is something they need to work on," he said.

BAM confirmed that Korean Yoo Yong Sung, appointed on a six-month probation, will have a hand in coaching Kien Keat-Boon Heong for one session a day.

"Yong Sung's no-nonsense attitude and training drills could help Kien Keat-Boong regain their form," said Cheh Chang.

On whether Kien Keat-Boon Heong will compete again this year, Cheh Chang said it would depend on how well they responded to the new training system.

Read more: NST

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