15th Asian Games Doha 2006/Badminton: Rexy to gamble on the young

26 Oct 2006
K.M. Boopathy (boopathy@nst.com.my)



MALAYSIA’S Asian Games gold medal hopes in badminton will now hinge on the shoulders of two young men’s doubles pairs - Lin Woon Fui-Fairuzizuan Tazari and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.

This follows national doubles coach Rexy Mainaky’s assertion that Chan Chong Ming, Kien Keat’s regular partner, has not regained his confidence and the poor form of veteran pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah.

Which means Rexy will now gamble on younger players for the Doha challenge in December.

Chong Ming, according to Rexy, has not regained his confidence while he feels Tan Fook-Wan Wah have gone from bad to worse since their disastrous outing in the Madrid World Championships last month.

Their absence means World No 6 Woon Fui-Fairuzizuan and Boon Heong will be included as replacements while Kien Keat will be the only doubles player to keep his position in the squad.

Tan Fook-Wan Wah, beaten by Indonesians Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan in the second round of the World Championships, suffered a humiliating 21-17, 21-9 defeat to unheralded Keishi Kawaguchi-Naoko Kawamae of Japan in the second round of the China Open last week.

Chong Ming, playing in his first tournament since his father’s death last month, and Kien Keat lost to Xu Chen and former world singles champion Xia Xuanze of China 11-21, 22-20, 22-20 in the China Open.

"Tan Fook-Wan Wah lost twice to pairs they should have beaten. We need to give the youngsters a chance in the Asian Games. Chong Ming is also out," said Rexy.

"Their confidence had taken a beating after the World Championships and it is getting worse. If they suffer another failure in Doha, they will never recover.

"On the other hand, Woon Fui-Fairuz have shown improvement and they should be given a chance while Boon Heong, who partnered Kien Keat in Japan, showed that he can handle the pressure. He should also be considered.

"I’ll be taking plenty of risks but we need to make drastic changes. It will give the younger pairs a chance prove themselves while the experienced players will fight back for their places."

However, the exclusion of Tan Fook, Wan Wah and Chong Ming does not mean that it is the end of the road for the trio as Rexy is looking forward to seeing them make an impact next year.

The focus next year will be on the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur where Rexy expects the seniors to redeem themselves.

Rexy will have final discussions with chief coach Yap Kim Hock and BA of Malaysia secretary P. Ganga Rao tomorrow before making the inclusion of Woon Fui, Fairuzizuan and Boon Heong official.

From New straits times

Yup.. heard that from the players today. Tomorrow is the decision dates where the coaches will name those who will be included and also the coaches have to do some explaination to those who will be dropped at the moment. D Day for them.

Actually I still don't understand,why Chan Chong Ming is out?

Cause CCM is 25 years old already. Mr Rexy wants to pair Tan Boon Heong (19 years old) with KKK (21 years old). It's for the future. There is a big 'age' problem in the doubles department. CTF & LWW are already over 30 years old. While the rest of the doubles player are all stIll youngsters (around 20 years old). So it is difficult to find a suitable 'age' partner for CCM.

Its not all about CCM... other players also.

So,is the partnership(md) between kkk-ccm over?

Yup.. heard that from the players today. Tomorrow is the decision dates where the coaches will name those who will be included and also the coaches have to do some explaination to those who will be dropped at the moment. D Day for them.

ants, will you mind telling us how are the conditions of LWW/Ctf now? Are they sad, frustrated or down? Did they say anything abt their losing streak recently?

KKK/CCM's partnership might not be Finally Over. But i do believe we can still see them on court together.. will see what happen tomorrow.

Mr Rexy is going for KKK-TBH. TBH is an outstanding player. He has the X factor and he is only 19. Together with KKK(21 years old), they are going to develope into an awesome pair. That's a good plan for the future. So I think naturally HTH is going to be CCM partner. CCM can help to guide HTH. It's a perfect plan. Finally Mr Rexy has learnt the Chinese way of doing thing..one stone kill two birds.

CCM is a victim of BAM policy. BAM got it wrong in their youth player programme. That's why there is no other player in CCM age group. If you remember..CCM used to be Chew Choon Eng's partner when he is in his early 20s. Chew Choon Eng is 5 years older than CCM. Now CCM has slipped into Chew Choon Eng shoes. He can't get a partner in his age group. So naturally the same procedure is going to repeat all over again..CCM (with his experience) will become a nanny to the youth player. :crying: It's so sad..but what can we do. We are not like China..flooding with talents.

If you look around, all the doubles pairs are almost same age..Tony/Chandra, Fu/Cai, Martin/Jens, CTF/LWW, Markis/Hendra...... You can't have two players with a big age gap partnering each other..cause this type of partnership won't last for long..sooner or later..their speed, alertness and stamina will be at different level.

Mr Rexy is going for KKK-TBH. TBH is an outstanding player. He has the X factor and he is only 19. Together with KKK(21 years old), they are going to develope into an awesome pair. That's a good plan for the future. So I think naturally HTH is going to be CCM partner. CCM can help to guide HTH. It's a perfect plan. Finally Mr Rexy has learnt the Chinese way of doing thing..one stone kill two birds.

CCM is a victim of BAM policy. BAM got it wrong in their youth player programme. That's why there is no other player in CCM age group. If you remember..CCM used to be Chew Choon Eng's partner when he is in his early 20s. Chew Choon Eng is 5 years older than CCM. Now CCM has slipped into Chew Choon Eng shoes. He can't get a partner in his age group. So naturally the same procedure is going to repeat all over again..CCM (with his experience) will become a nanny to the youth player. :crying: It's so sad..but what can we do. We are not like China..flooding with talents.

If you look around, all the doubles pairs are almost same age..Tony/Chandra, Fu/Cai, Martin/Jens, CTF/LWW, Markis/Hendra...... You can't have two players with a big age gap partnering each other..cause this type of partnership won't last for long..sooner or later..their speed, alertness and stamina will be at different level.

there's quite a big age gap between Fu/Cai as well, but that hasn't stopped them from being so successful, especially these last 2 years.

Mr Rexy is going for KKK-TBH. TBH is an outstanding player. He has the X factor and he is only 19. Together with KKK(21 years old), they are going to develope into an awesome pair. That's a good plan for the future. So I think naturally HTH is going to be CCM partner. CCM can help to guide HTH. It's a perfect plan. Finally Mr Rexy has learnt the Chinese way of doing thing..one stone kill two birds.

CCM is a victim of BAM policy. BAM got it wrong in their youth player programme. That's why there is no other player in CCM age group. If you remember..CCM used to be Chew Choon Eng's partner when he is in his early 20s. Chew Choon Eng is 5 years older than CCM. Now CCM has slipped into Chew Choon Eng shoes. He can't get a partner in his age group. So naturally the same procedure is going to repeat all over again..CCM (with his experience) will become a nanny to the youth player. :crying: It's so sad..but what can we do. We are not like China..flooding with talents.

If you look around, all the doubles pairs are almost same age..Tony/Chandra, Fu/Cai, Martin/Jens, CTF/LWW, Markis/Hendra...... You can't have two players with a big age gap partnering each other..cause this type of partnership won't last for long..sooner or later..their speed, alertness and stamina will be at different level.

You sure? Maybe you should check Fu/Cai's age gap. I may be wrong but I believe it's the same as CCM/KKK.Then your theory falls apart but then like they say,there are always exceptions, so the theory may still hold.Refreshing viewpoint though I won't buy it.
There seems to be a hint of politics here. The youngsters are Rexy's babies so of course he wants to showcase them at every opportunity. CCM is pretty solid;usually KKK either perks or messes things up.When he's in show off mode, it's fatal.Saw him in SO2006? At matchpoint, he played a fancy shot. Who did they lose to? Some newly formed pair from Singapore.I like TBH's play but I would go for CCM unless you're telling me they cannot remove the rustiness in one month. KKK/TBH 's final in JO is like Fu/Cai WC win; a bit lucky their opponents don't know where they are shaky.Had they met the INA first round, what would their partnership be called?
But who knows Rexy might be able to shore his babies up as much as he shooed off CTF/LWW.And maybe ask his babies to write down what they must deliver!

there's quite a big age gap between Fu/Cai as well, but that hasn't stopped them from being so successful, especially these last 2 years.wats their age?? i mean fu/cai...

wats their age?? i mean fu/cai...

FHF - dob = 2/1/1984
CY - dob = 19/1/1980

so 4 years difference ...

FHF - dob = 2/1/1984
CY - dob = 19/1/1980

so 4 years difference ...

Indeed...Cai Yun is 26 going on 27...definitely not young :cool:

Saw him in SO2006? At matchpoint, he played a fancy shot. Who did they lose to? Some newly formed pair from Singapore.

Err...CCM/KKK lost to Flandy/Sigit in the SO in two straight sets 21-12, 21-19.

Yeah.. they lost badly.. it seems that they were not focused in the game during that time.

So now MT/LWF will be the first MD and KKK/TBH is the second in the team event. Good to see how they handle the pressure. We definitely need to make this kind of changes some times. Drow them into the fire and let them gain more valuable experience. I am sure they will be our key players in the coming TC.

I would like to think that Rexy is professional enough to choose the best to represent Malaysia.The senior players have been given ample chance to prove their capability.It is time to move forward.

Badminton coach names youngsters as replacement for seniors for Asiad- thestar


KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton doubles coach Rexy Mainaky has named youngsters as replacement for seniors in the squad for the Asian Games, which will be held in Doha from Dec 1-15.

The decision however, will only take effect if the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) gives the green light.

Currently, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have informed the DAGOC of the changes in the doubles line-up and were awaiting for a reply.

With the approval, Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui will replace Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah while another youngster, Tan Boon Heong, is expected to replace Chan Chong Ming in partnering Koo Kien Keat.

A decision will be made on the status of the doubles players after a joint Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and National Sports Council (NSC) working committee on Monday.

very very upset with Choong/Lee...they must be very sad now because they cannot play in Doha..but i think it is not so suitable to choose Tan BH to replace Chan CM`s place...he is still young and lack of experience...and his mental is not strong yet

haih.. that means LWW dun even have a single chance to compete in Asian Games.. he skipped twice coz of injury.. haih...poor LWW

I agreed of replacing CTF/LWW but to substitute CCM with new kid Boon Heong is quite a big risk. Even though Boon Heong/Kien Kiat did well in Japan Open but I didn't see any spectacular about Boon heong in the final against Chandra/Tony. I think CCM/KKK is a safer bet and why make such a drastic change without gaining anything on paper. Man, I hope everything work ...

I agreed of replacing CTF/LWW but to substitute CCM with new kid Boon Heong is quite a big risk. Even though Boon Heong/Kien Kiat did well in Japan Open but I didn't see any spectacular about Boon heong in the final against Chandra/Tony. I think CCM/KKK is a safer bet and why make such a drastic change without gaining anything on paper. Man, I hope everything work ...

Yap, agree with you. CCM/KKK is a safer beat. KKK is not matured enough yet and he always relies on CCM to encourage and psyhe him up during the matches. By the way, CCM has great defence and more calm on the court.

I would like to think that Rexy is professional enough to choose the best to represent Malaysia.The senior players have been given ample chance to prove their capability.It is time to move forward.

Right now, MAS MDs are probably at their worst since the TC so there is no best.What I'm shocked at is how fast CTF/LWW 's partnership spiral downwards and how they stop encouraging each other during play after the HKO onwards. That's indicative of some psychological damage and my belief is that Rexy's treatment of them have played no small part. Rexy comes across as a passionate, impatient coach who gives extreme treatment; either he make his charges feel great (youngsters) or feel small (seniors) I don't think Rexy did it on purpose and he's probably unaware that he may be the demoralising force crippling CTF/LWW. That's how CTF/LWW inexplicably lost confidence (Certainly Rexy's performance expectations of them are higher) If you want to compare skills, definitely the seniors are superior. Skills are never lost.However you need superior fitness to deliver superior skills.CTF/LWW are not at their fittest right now, both psychologically and physically and I can't see how they can recover under Rexy. They need to get away from Rexy. Tazari/Lin's skills are not CTF/LWW's standard yet but they are fitter and on a high so they are a safer (not necessarily better) bet for AG but I'll be impressed if they can land a medal.Let's hope Rexy's high risk (actually no-choice) bet delivers but it's easier to expect nothing.The big mistake may be to leave out CCM because he has consistently delivered on the big stage. His rustiness was caused by his out -of-action for a month, not a lack of confidence.

BAM have not decide yet on CCM's status at the moment. Will see how it goes.

FHF - dob = 2/1/1984
CY - dob = 19/1/1980

so 4 years difference ...

Wrong bday! FHF - dob = 23/8/1983

Right now, MAS MDs are probably at their worst since the TC so there is no best.What I'm shocked at is how fast CTF/LWW 's partnership spiral downwards and how they stop encouraging each other during play after the HKO onwards. That's indicative of some psychological damage and my belief is that Rexy's treatment of them have played no small part. Rexy comes across as a passionate, impatient coach who gives extreme treatment; either he make his charges feel great (youngsters) or feel small (seniors) I don't think Rexy did it on purpose and he's probably unaware that he may be the demoralising force crippling CTF/LWW. That's how CTF/LWW inexplicably lost confidence (Certainly Rexy's performance expectations of them are higher) If you want to compare skills, definitely the seniors are superior. Skills are never lost.However you need superior fitness to deliver superior skills.CTF/LWW are not at their fittest right now, both psychologically and physically and I can't see how they can recover under Rexy. They need to get away from Rexy. Tazari/Lin's skills are not CTF/LWW's standard yet but they are fitter and on a high so they are a safer (not necessarily better) bet for AG but I'll be impressed if they can land a medal.Let's hope Rexy's high risk (actually no-choice) bet delivers but it's easier to expect nothing.The big mistake may be to leave out CCM because he has consistently delivered on the big stage. His rustiness was caused by his out -of-action for a month, not a lack of confidence.

I think the expectations on them to win the World championship recently were just too high. Everyone and coaches said that they stand the best chance to win the World Chamionship. However, since they have played badminton for more than 10 years, i think that they should be able to handle everything including pressure. If both of them have any misunderstanding towards each other, they should know how to solve it. If they still couldn't handle these things which are important besides the skills, i just don't know how the coaches can help them. They have been playing badminton together for more than 10 years already. Aren't they supposed to be experienced enough?:confused: Like Kim Hock said, their biggest enemy is themselves. I just don't understand why they can't handle these things. Easier said than done, but they are professional.

Asian Games/Badminton: Boon Heong determined to realise his dream
01 Nov 2006
Ajitpal Singh

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YOUNGSTER Tan Boon Heong, who will partner senior Koo Kien Keat for only the third time in the Doha Asian Games, aims to make the combination work.

For Boon Heong, 19, being paired with a senior player will help him realise his dream of becoming a leading doubles player in the country.

The talented youngster from Selangor partnered Kien Keat for the first time in the Thomas Cup in May and in the Japan Open where they lost to former world champions Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya in the final.

However, Boon Heong is not new on the international scene.

He has earned valuable experience playing at the highest level for the past two years with former partner Hoon Thien How.

Boon Heong and Thien How won the doubles title in World Junior Championships in 2004.

"I will make full use of this opportunity and justify chief coach Yap Kim Hock’s faith in me," he said after the Games squad met chef-de-mission Datuk A Sani Karim at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

"We have about a month to polish up our skills. However, I do not foresee a problem as both of us have a similar style," added Boon Heong.

Kien Keat is also excited about his new partnership with Boon Heong.

"I have never played a mentor’s role in my badminton career. During my days with Chan Chong Ming, he was the one who led me and now I will be playing that role," said Kien Keat, 21.

Kean Keat is confident the combination can work because he feels Boon Heong is a very talented and highly skilled player.

Meanwhile, Kim Hock, who is aware that Malaysia’s best bet of winning a gold medal in Doha is in the men’s doubles, declined to comment whether Lin Woon Fui-Mohd Fairuzizuan Tazari and Kien Keat-Boon Heong were capable of delivering gold.

"We have an equal chance to win gold medals in all of the men’s events. Both our pairs can go far if they play to their potential. The men’s doubles event will be an open affair as none of the Asian pairs have really dominated in all tournaments throughout the year," said Kim Hock.

He said they picked new pairs for the Asian Games to groom them for the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.

this rexy style so indonesian

this rexy style so indonesianthis better.. indo is popular wif their doubles.. this might improve MAS doubles skills.. but haha.. recent denmark open.. joanne quay hv poor performance wif daniel shirley.. stil pay high expectations on kkk n joanne?? haizzz.... c'mon.. rexy n yap.. pair WPT-KKK back...

Badminton coach names youngsters as replacement for seniors for Asiad- thestar


KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton doubles coach Rexy Mainaky has named youngsters as replacement for seniors in the squad for the Asian Games, which will be held in Doha from Dec 1-15.

The decision however, will only take effect if the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) gives the green light.

Currently, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have informed the DAGOC of the changes in the doubles line-up and were awaiting for a reply.

With the approval, Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui will replace Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah while another youngster, Tan Boon Heong, is expected to replace Chan Chong Ming in partnering Koo Kien Keat.

A decision will be made on the status of the doubles players after a joint Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and National Sports Council (NSC) working committee on Monday.

Good decision ! I like Rexy, he has the vision and he is being realistic.

nvm.... maybe this AG in Doha might not bear a fruitful outing but we need look at the future... if kkk-tbh r going on great, they have a realistic chance of becoming first msian olympic gold medallist... so does zizuan-woonfui.. they have a long way to go while ctf-lww might already at the end of the cliff of their career... its so obvious after their poor performance recently...

If Malaysia wishes to get a gold medal in DOha,

CCC/KKK is the most potential one....

I consider that this pair is the most dangerous MD....

CCC/KKK and Kido/Hendra are the most dangerous MD..today

If CCC/KKK are split,....95% the gold for MD will be grabbed by Kido/hendra:D

wah,who is CCC? ok,ok,I know,u mean Chan Chong Ming (CCM)..

CTF n LWW had dissapoint us n their coaches during the badminton open...maybe it is the time for us to c the "kehebatan" of the young players..i think we should giv a chance to young players to show out their potential!!i think Rexy had his own reason to did like tis cos the old player din show their improvement in the WC o other badminton open!!!

If Malaysia wishes to get a gold medal in DOha,

CCC/KKK is the most potential one....

I consider that this pair is the most dangerous MD....

CCC/KKK and Kido/Hendra are the most dangerous MD..today

If CCC/KKK are split,....95% the gold for MD will be grabbed by Kido/hendra:D


Dont forget the Chinese...

Dont forget the Chinese...

Let them play Fairuz/Lin or KKK/TBH first :D

Looking at the rankings, Fu/Cai will be the top seed while Jung/Lee will be the second seed. Kido/Hendra and Fairuz/Lin will be third and fourth respectively.

it will be exciting match, alvent/luluk, zheng bo/?, KKK/TBH what a match in double

If i may be allowed to comment...

I think that they made a mistake, replacing Chan Chong Ming with Tan Boon Heong as Koo Kien Keat's partner... The reason CCM and KKK were paired was to deliver the Olympics gold in 2008... so what has become of that now? it was a superb paring, and remember they are (or were) Malaysia's best pairing...

hopefully TBH/KKK can deliver from now on, or else this will be a big mistake....

If i may be allowed to comment...

I think that they made a mistake, replacing Chan Chong Ming with Tan Boon Heong as Koo Kien Keat's partner... The reason CCM and KKK were paired was to deliver the Olympics gold in 2008... so what has become of that now? it was a superb paring, and remember they are (or were) Malaysia's best pairing...

hopefully TBH/KKK can deliver from now on, or else this will be a big mistake....

To be honest....replacing CCM with TBH...gives advantages to other teams, especially INA....As a spectator, I always felt worried if INA pairs meet with CCM/KKK.:) Good for INA, anyway

haha.. let me tell u all frankly.. dis topic is hard to debate on.. lets wait n c 4 their performance in DOHA.. then only we start to gossip...huahuahua.. :D :D

yah, and hopefully they'll be the top Malaysian pair soon....

Well for those senior MAS players who have been dropped out from MAS team, there's always a country for them to represent in the future, US, my 2 cents.

I'm not sure that Fu/Cai is top seeding this day, they lost both in Japan and China Open 2006 or am I missing some scores here?

FHF - dob = 2/1/1984
CY - dob = 19/1/1980

so 4 years difference ...


if FU was born 3 days earlier...then the age gap would be 3 years instead of 4...:D