Clock’s ticking: Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi are currently ranked No. 12 in the world and need to break into the top eight before the Games qualifying period ends next April.
KEPONG: Treat every tournament like it will be your final outing.
This is the advice given by former shuttler Tan Boon Heong to independent men’s doubles pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi.
Yew Sin-Ee Yi face a race against time to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics behind top pair Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik .
The former are currently ranked No. 12 in the world and need to break into the top eight before the qualifying period ends next April to book their spot in Paris.
Aaron-Wooi Yik are almost assured of a place as they are ranked No. 3 in the world.
Two pairs from each country can make the cut for the Olympics provided both are ranked in the top eight.
The Paris edition could also be Yew Sin-Ee Yi’s last chance to compete in the Olympics as age is not on their side.
Yew Sin will turn 29 next year while Ee Yi will be 31.
“Yew Sin and Ee Yi need to treat every tournament as if it’s their last,” said Boon Heong.
“I have always told them this as time goes by very fast. They need to appreciate the opportunities they get.
“Honestly, it’s tough for two pairs from our country to qualify for the Olympics as the men’s doubles is so competitive.
“Yew Sin-Ee Yi have also not been very consistent this year but I hope they can bounce back next year.
“They still stand a chance to make the cut but they need to go all out,” added Boon Heong.
The other Malaysian pairs who are in the race to Paris are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 19) and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (No. 26).
Boon Heong believes that having more pairs fighting for a spot in the showpiece event is a positive sign for the country’s badminton.
“This is a good challenge for all the pairs as they can really push each other,” said Boon Heong.
“It’s better for Malaysia if two pairs can qualify for the Olympics as it will enhance our medal prospects.”
Aaron-Wooi Yik, Yew Sin-Ee Yi, Wei Chong-Kai Wun and Sze Fei-Izzuddin will compete next in the Malaysian Open from Jan 9-14 in Bukit Jalil, which will be the 2024 season’s curtain raiser.
