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Doubles pair focus on service and service return ahead of Olympics

KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s doubles duo Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong are focusing on their service and service returns to kick-start their stalling hopes ahead of the London Olympics badminton tournament from July 27-Aug 5.

Yesterday, national coach Pang Cheh Chang said that their poor grip in this area had resulted in Kien Keat-Boon Heong being easy targets for their higher ranked opponents in recent tournaments.
In the Indonesia Open, the duo were sent packing 15-21, 11-21 by the towering Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen of Denmark in the semi-finals and their lack of sting – especially at the front court – was evident.

Cheh Chang gave a positive review of Kien Keat-Boon Heong’s preparations, expressing confidence in their medal prospects in London.

“We can’t rule them out. They did play badly at one point but are making a comeback now. They still have a chance and we are looking at ways to strengthen their game,” said Cheh Chang.
“The quality of their service and service returns had dropped and we are working on beefing up these aspects of their game.

“If they improve in this area, they will be on par with the top pairs.”
Cheh Chang said both his players were physically in better condition.
“Their attack is much sharper and they don’t go too deep into defence as in past. There are positive changes in their game.”

Kien Keat-Boon Heong, currently ranked eighth in the world, have not won a tournament for some time. There will have to be a drastic transformation if they are to make an impact in London.
Besides Kien Keat-Boon Heong, 15 other pairs have qualified for the Olympic men’s doubles event. They will be divided into four groups with the top two proceeding to the knockout stage.



THE STAR

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