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Tuesday June 30, 2009

Mak-Tan a formidable pair in the making

PETALING JAYA: Two good things came out from youngsters Mak Hee Chun’s and Tan Wee Kiong’s impressive run in the just concluded Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold championships in Johor Baru.

The elite back-up shuttlers showed that they were shaping up well to become a formidable combination for the country.

And doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky felt that they had also served a timely wake-up call for seniors Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.

Hee Chun-Wee Kiong defeated Fairuzizuan-Zakry in the quarter-finals and en route to the semi-finals, they also eliminated Indonesians Luluk Hadiyanto-Joko Riyadi and eighth seeded Singaporeans Hendri Kurniawan Saputra-Hendra Wijaya.

Rexy said that their results would do good to Malaysian badminton.

“Both are in their early 20s and they have been playing well since being paired up (in January) this year.

“Their performances showed that Malaysia have good back-up players in the wings,” he said.

“Their win over Zakry-Fairuzizuan showed that they were no longer snapping at the heels of this senior pair.

“They have broken the barrier.

“This should be a reminder to Zakry-Fairuzizuan to work harder to establish themselves as a more solid pair for the country. They have always been worried of opponents from other countries but now, they must also be on guard from team-mates.” Rexy, however, hoped that Zakry-Fairuzizuan would not be demoralised, especially when they have to face much stronger challenges in the world championships in Hyderabad in August.

“I want them to look forward. From our recent discussions, Zakry and Fairuzizuan understand what is expected from them,” he said.

“They were lost for ideas in the match against the youngsters. But they still have time to add sting to their game again.”

Rexy added the country’s top pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were more established compared to Fairuzizuan-Zakry but the former still needed to work hard on heir game.

“My confidence has not wavered on what these players can do in the world championships.

The next few weeks will be crucial in working on getting them well-prepared for the tasks,” he said.

Malaysia have yet to win a title in the world championship series.

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