Badminton: Shock exit for Koo-Tan

By RIZAL ABDULLAH

SINGAPORE: All-England men's doubles champions Koo Kien Keat-Tan Bon Heong suffered their first early round elimination since their first outing as a pair last October in the US$200,000 Aviva Singapore Open at the Indoor Stadium here yesterday.
The hotshots, who in seven previous international tournaments won three other titles, had two runners-up finishes and a semi-final appearance, were beaten by the newly-formed national combination of Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Latif.
They were beaten 21-15, 13-21, 15-21 and it was the second time in two weeks that they were humbled by their compatriots. In the Asian Championships in Johor Baru, they were beaten by veterans Lee Wan Wah-Choong Tan Fook in the final.
A second consecutive defeat after a whirlwind run that had brought them the Asiad gold medal and the Malaysian and Swiss Open title must definitely be a bitter pill for Kien Keat-Boon Heong to swallow.
The crestfallen duo sat down at one end of the stadium in a daze.
“I can't give you any answer. There are lot of factors that led to our defeat. Let me analyze what went wrong before I speak to you ... not now, maybe later,” said Kien Keat.
But Fairuzizuan had the answers on how they beat their more fancied opponents.
“We know each others' game very well. We had nothing to lose. We played all out and it worked for us. I don't think they were over-confident. It is a good win for us,” he said.
Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock also drew a big cheer. Ranked 21st in the world and unseeded in the tournament, they stunned former world champions Lars Paaske-Jonas Rasmussen of Denmark. They won the first-round match 18-21, 21-17, 21-18 to set up a match against world champions and top seeds Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun of China.
In the men's singles Lee Chong Wei's badminton fortunes were dealt another blow when he crashed out in the first round yet again, going down 21-16, 18-21, 20-22 to compatriot Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
Joining Hafiz in the second round were Wong Choong Hann and Kuan Beng Hong, both of whom came into the main draw from the qualifying rounds.
Another qualifier Mohd Arif Abdul Latif failed to advance but he gave a creditable performance against Indonesian ace Taufik Hidayat, losing in three games – 15-21, 21-16, 21-12.
Choong Hann defeated Welshman Richard Vaughan 21-18, 21-9 to earn a second round match against Shoji Sato of Japan. Beng Hong got the better of Andrew Smith of England, winning 23-21, 21-9.
It was another painful defeat for Chong Wei, who is making a bid to get his act right again by making his first semi-final appearance in an international tournament this year after a string of bad results. The national number one was also a first round casualty in the Swiss Open, losing to Indonesian Simon Santoso.
Now, the 25-year-old Penangite will have to look at the Indonesian Open next week to make amends. In Jakarta, he could meet Hafiz again in the second round if he gets past Denmark's third ranked player Joachim Persson.
“Hafiz has gone 2-1 up on me in international tournaments. But I am not finished yet. There is the Indonesian Open for me to even things up,” he said.
His previous defeat by Hafiz was in the semi-finals at the German Open in 2005. But he was the winner in the final of the Danish Open in the same year.
“It's bad to lose in the first round of the first tournament that offers ranking points for qualification to the Beijing Olympics next year,” said Chong Wei.
“I am disappointed with myself for letting slip the chance to win the match. But I cannot keep harping on this setback. I have to look ahead.”
Hafiz said that his better movement on the court helped him win the match.
“I was very comfortable on court and enjoyed the match against Chong Wei. “But I have to tread with caution against Boonsak (Ponsana) even though I have beaten him in the last three meetings,” said Hafiz.

So sad KKK/TBH and LCW lost:crying:...faint

Upsets always happen....especially among team mates....suddenly KKK/TBH did not win the last 2 tourneys.....now Indonesian doubles have a good chance to win beside Fu/Cai...may be young Koreans too

Upsets always happen....especially among team mates....suddenly KKK/TBH did not win the last 2 tourneys.....now Indonesian doubles have a good chance to win beside Fu/Cai...may be young Koreans too

Don't forget Tony/Candra or even CTF/LWW

OMG, i cant believe it, but it was good to see many Malaysian MD Pairs are out there to beat the top pair. It shows they are improving, on the other hand. :)

That's what happens when teammates meet each other, no guarantees that the higher ranked player/pair will win. Everybody knows how everybody else plays ....

Having said that, it's good to see the competition, Fairuz/Zakri did pretty well in Asian Championships (semis) and are starting off well here. Hope they can hold their own against other established pairs.

Hafiz has also showed he is on the road to recovery, beating LCW after being down 16-19 in rubber is no mean feat. Besides, need to impress his future wife now ....

Lee Chong Wei lost to the player I least expected him to...HAFIZ. Now I am confident to say his time is over. What a big disappointment.
Even Bao Chun Lai can beat Hafiz when playing with his right hand.

Don't forget Tony/Candra or even CTF/LWW

hahha...I almost forgot them....I remembered Chandra widjaja...first time he came to USA...with meiluawati...It was 1994 or 93..I forgot....I took all of them to factory outlet...in exchange Widjaja..and his partner..I forgot his name now....gave me their 2 T shirts...:D :D

hahha...I almost forgot them....I remembered Chandra widjaja...first time he came to USA...with meiluawati...It was 1994 or 93..I forgot....I took all of them to factory outlet...in exchange Widjaja..and his partner..I forgot his name now....gave me their 2 T shirts...:D :D

Haha, that's a nice story. Hope the shirts were signed by them too!

Haha, that's a nice story. Hope the shirts were signed by them too!

No...it was not signed...but I took some pics with them,...their coach..with Meiluwati, Liu tiong ping....I took them to chinese restaurant near by Sepulveda ( airport)

wow Keat-Hong out in the first round, what on earth has happened to them? I think Fu-Cai are gonna start dominating again.

As Chinese always said : "Lang Mar Pau Chut" Cold Horse Run Out and Win The Game. It is really running out of expectation. Fairul and Zakri dont a good job, and CTF / LWW still fit for Badminton, Dont play play !!!

Hahaha... the defeat of Koo/Tan showed that they are nothing if Rexy didnt back them up...hahaha...

Hahaha... the defeat of Koo/Tan showed that they are nothing if Rexy didnt back them up...hahaha...

Rexy could not back up both of them...he has to be NEUTRAL...;) ;) otherwise he will be accused " pilih Kasih"..:D :D

Sorry to KKK / TBH 's fans, but it is Good News for FHF/CY, They only got to worry for [Ong/Tan (Mas) as currently they are lost focus (confuse) on the Malaysian way (Rexy's Way)] and TG/CW. Fairu / Zakri & CTF/LWW I think they can manage to go through.

Fu HaiFeng / Cai Yun ....Jia You !!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):)

Both LCW and the pair of KKK-TBH lost to fellow team players. It is always hard to play fellow players as they know ech other's style. I don't see how anyone can say this is the end for LCW or KKK-TBH.

I take nothing away from Hafiz and Fairuzizuan/Zakri -- they played well, beyond themselves. THey could have beaten the best from any country.

Hahaha... the defeat of Koo/Tan showed that they are nothing if Rexy didnt back them up...hahaha...
..so far..I wouldn't say "they are nothing if Rexy didn't back them up", but so far the results speak for themselves in all their matches where Rexy wasn't coaching on their side, as they haven't won any titles, yet...:confused:

hahha...I almost forgot them....I remembered Chandra widjaja...first time he came to USA...with meiluawati...It was 1994 or 93..I forgot....I took all of them to factory outlet...in exchange Widjaja..and his partner..I forgot his name now....gave me their 2 T shirts...
No...it was not signed...but I took some pics with them,...their coach..with Meiluwati, Liu tiong ping....I took them to chinese restaurant near by Sepulveda ( airport)
..if it was in 1994, Candra's partner was Ade Sutrisna..And yes, they won the MD..;)
Restaurant near Sepulveda Blvd.???...Hmm, must be Ramayani restaurant then, one of our NGP's fave (INA) restaurant..;):D:cool:

I saw they played last nite at National Indoor ......... really disappointed, they still need learn a lot ......

in the 3rd-set, supporters from Indonesia screamed loudly : "Rexy bantu, Rexy bantu" ... (meaning, Rexy please help) because Koo/Tan cannot concentrate ......

Hahaha... the defeat of Koo/Tan showed that they are nothing if Rexy didnt back them up...hahaha...

in the 3rd-set, supporters from Indonesia screamed loudly : "Rexy bantu, Rexy bantu" ... (meaning, Rexy please help) because Koo/Tan cannot concentrate ......
...hehehe, then that must be pretty amusing..:p :D..

So...I suppose the hype is over? :cool:

I watched the match last night and I thought they did not take their opponents seriously at all.

So...I suppose the hype is over? :cool:
..heyya, badMania...so, who did you cheer for??..Were you also cheering for Rexy to "bantu" KKK&TBH??..hehe:p :D ;)

in the 3rd-set, supporters from Indonesia screamed loudly : "Rexy bantu, Rexy bantu" ... (meaning, Rexy please help) because Koo/Tan cannot concentrate ......

can we hear that at IO???hehehehe..LOL...:D

Haih..nothing to say!!Hope Mas MD can win the title!!fate is fate!!

it is good for them to lost here. they won't too many. koo attitude is getting worst. lost here so he know he is not the best yet.

Koo/Tan can do nothing with thier teammates. Without Rexy guiding them they are nothing at all (not top in the world). I don't think they can be one of the legends in badminton. To be legend, you must be able to be consistent and able to win all the pair in the world including your teammates. Losing to a new combination show that they are loss without Rexy. If Rexy leave Malaysia, they might beaten by some not so top pair.

it is good for them to lost here. they won't too many. koo attitude is getting worst. lost here so he know he is not the best yet.


Agree...they are not strong mentally yet...it's good they lost in SO, they need to learn more, not only badminton skill but attitude must be right all the time.
I think that's why Rexy set the target to them to be ranking no.1 in the world at the end of this year, this target hopefully can make them motivated.
Let's see how they handle the pressure after this first round defeat.

I watched the match last night and I thought they did not take their opponents seriously at all.

Maybe without Rexy they don't know what strategy and tactics to use to handle their opponent.

Maybe without Rexy they don't know what strategy and tactics to use to handle their opponent.

Have you ever considered that it is possible Rexy instigated the win to let KKK-TBH know he can put them down as much he can get them up.

In this case, he trained Fiaruzizuan-Zakri to beat KKK-TBH to prove the case.:D So you could be right.

Have you ever considered that it is possible Rexy instigated the win to let KKK-TBH know he can put them down as much he can get them up.

In this case, he trained Fiaruzizuan-Zakri to beat KKK-TBH to prove the case.:D So you could be right.
Erm..Maybe ur analysist is true!!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Tat means KKK n TBH muz listen to Rexy if they wan to maintain their victory!!

Well, i agree that without their coach besides them,they can't perform their best and i am really not shock when they lose to their teammates.Their teamates train with them everyday and known each other well and of course thier weakness.Since they are still young, rexy is very important to them.Without his guidence,KKK/TBH lack of experiences and can't play well.After all, i am still looking forward to their Indo performance and i am actually happy that we are not only count on them,at least now we can look forward to tazari and fairuzizuan performances.

WTF! Have you ever considered that maybe... just maybe Fiaruzizuan-Zakri beat them because of their own credit?! Rexy maybe legendary but he's no God, he's coach for the whole national team. Malaysian team success is his job, regardless of who wins. Rexy has nothing to prove. Now you can't really say the same for the players, can you?

Have you ever considered that it is possible Rexy instigated the win to let KKK-TBH know he can put them down as much he can get them up.

In this case, he trained Fiaruzizuan-Zakri to beat KKK-TBH to prove the case.:D So you could be right.

Yes, I think that you're right. I don't think that Rexy 'trained' Fiaruzizuan-Zakri to beat KKK-TBH, because why should Rexy demonstrate his power?
His job is not to show how much influence he has, but to coach them as good as possible. And that goes for the whole team and not just KKK-TBH.

WTF! Have you ever considered that maybe... just maybe Fiaruzizuan-Zakri beat them because of their own credit?! Rexy maybe legendary but he's no God, he's coach for the whole national team. Malaysian team success is his job, regardless of who wins. Rexy has nothing to prove. Now you can't really say the same for the players, can you?

Hey man, your 'maybe' is still a maybe --- like mine. But I think my 'maybe' makes more sense.

And you're wrong -- Rexy has everything to prove ! Coz he can now say he can teach any pair to become world champions and his market value is UP!

Sorry man, this is the real world, everybody creates value to be of value, including Rexy!

I am quite sure Rexy is coaching the whole team, not just KKK/TBH alone,....so who perform better a the right time...will win,....losing to team mates and thier seniors is nothing to worry of......the more scary things is if they dont grow..from there....and keep being toooooooo depending to coaches in on going match strategies .....thats will helps them go a long way,....think about it KKK/TBH....and other MAS player.....especially to LCW.. that what LYB is trying to do....to let the players be more independent..

they did lose everytime rexy was not there to support them. must be a whole lot better than that i think. depending on rexy too much results in inconsistent performance. i agree that if they want to be legends, they have to learn to play by themselves and not just use their physical abilities but also their brain to dictate the play.

Hey man, your 'maybe' is still a maybe --- like mine. But I think my 'maybe' makes more sense.

And you're wrong -- Rexy has everything to prove ! Coz he can now say he can teach any pair to become world champions and his market value is UP!

Sorry man, this is the real world, everybody creates value to be of value, including Rexy!]

you're maybe is also a maybe. don't be so sure. it's ok to speculate, but don't say that your theory is better than anothers. after all, it's called a theory for a reason.

Actually I beg to differ. Rexy has lots of success bringing England's mixed doubles to standard, not to mention his guidance led to Malaysia's recent successes. I would say that he has more job security than any of the players under his care. With his past successes as both player and coach, he's wanted everywhere. It's just that he took Malaysia's post to be closer to his family. However, I can't say the same about the players whose consistency are only as good as their moods. Rexy's cred is established whereas his players still have alot to prove.

I don't mind your speculation as much as I mind how it degrade Fiaruzizuan-Zakri's win over the favored pair. You're making it sound as though only Rexy could 'teach' KKK-TBH a 'lesson', forgetting that many other teams in the tournament could do the same to them:rolleyes:. We could do without this kind of mindless melodramatic conjectures.

Hey man, your 'maybe' is still a maybe --- like mine. But I think my 'maybe' makes more sense.

And you're wrong -- Rexy has everything to prove ! Coz he can now say he can teach any pair to become world champions and his market value is UP!

Sorry man, this is the real world, everybody creates value to be of value, including Rexy!

My main worry is the players' discipline and drive. They have shown their talent and capability to dominate. Doesn't matter who is at the coaching helm if they slack off, they won't win. Of all the Malaysian players, I respect Wong Choon Han the most because of his maturity and discipline. It's unfortunate that he's the exceptional few in the team.

I am quite sure Rexy is coaching the whole team, not just KKK/TBH alone,....so who perform better a the right time...will win,....losing to team mates and thier seniors is nothing to worry of......the more scary things is if they dont grow..from there....and keep being toooooooo depending to coaches in on going match strategies .....thats will helps them go a long way,....think about it KKK/TBH....and other MAS player.....especially to LCW.. that what LYB is trying to do....to let the players be more independent..

KKK/TBH lost twice from their teamate :)....

Actually I beg to differ. Rexy has lots of success bringing England's mixed doubles to standard, not to mention his guidance led to Malaysia's recent successes. I would say that he has more job security than any of the players under his care. With his past successes as both player and coach, he's wanted everywhere. It's just that he took Malaysia's post to be closer to his family. However, I can't say the same about the players whose consistency are only as good as their moods. Rexy's cred is established whereas his players still have alot to prove.

I don't mind your speculation as much as I mind how it degrade Fiaruzizuan-Zakri's win over the favored pair. You're making it sound as though only Rexy could 'teach' KKK-TBH a 'lesson', forgetting that many other teams in the tournament could do the same to them:rolleyes:. We could do without this kind of mindless melodramatic conjectures.

Whoa, is it mindless and melodramatic ? Is it that bad for Rexy to teach KKK-TBH that lesson, if it were true ? I brought up a possibility because I feel it is not a bad thing if it were true, a lesson learned now is better than one much later when the Olympics and World Championship are near.

With all professional coaches, they are as fast sinking as their players. Look at Misbun, he was a hero coach when Hafiz won the ALL-England. Now is he is called all sorts of names by so-called Malaysian fans. Or dare I say, maybe even Li Mao, who felt so insecure that had to quit even though he would have been rehired by BAM if he had waited.

Rexy is professional and he knows how to handle 'market value'. And he is aware sometimes it is not up to his players (as you rightly pointed has not proved their credentials), he needs to build his own success by 'manipulations' (good manipulations) such as proving his worth as much as possible. So in my mind, it is not mindless or melodramatic - it could be a possibilty. We are not naive that we cannot point out the possibilities.

i dun want to blame anyone 4 dis defeat.. cannot blame dem as they r still in learning prosess... we should understand their situation... dey r not perfect... N dun aspect dem to win all de tourments... if u r really a true supporter of badminton... no matter dey lose or win, we have to support dem... :)

KK/TBH need a better/stroner mentality so if rexy is not there..they know how to handle pressure, etc...I think they are learning to be tough....sometimes it takes time eventhough that they had quick and stunning success..may be it is good for them that they can be beaten even by their teammates so hopefully they will be more alert and focus ....come on guys..no need to bash them....INA team has more problem than Malay teams now...

Hopefully they will bounce back soon. They are still young. Not the end of the world yet. And the good news is Malaysia have another potential champion now.

As I have also said before, nobody wins every tournament they enter. It's just not possible. I think KKK/TBH will play better again once the spotlight is off them.

(or maybe the only guys capable of beating them are their own teamates...)

Watched the match and felt that KKK was trying to do the things he should
not have done... he tried to take a few shots that were clearly for TBH and
worst of all, he failed to return the shots. Made 3 unforced errors hitting the
shuttle out of court during the last few crucial points.

Perhaps, it's the attention he is getting that is making him want to "shine"
more than his partner.

I like watching them play... the vitality, the zest, the spirit... but since
the Johor Bahru game which they lost to Tan Fook Choong and Lee Wan
Wah, I just feel that KKK is not the player he was when this young potential
olympic champion pair played when they first won their championship. And
without a choice, TBH (the less flashy and outspoken one among the 2) is
sufferring as his partner...

Just my humble 2 cents worth.

Now this what i called championship.Different players qualified in each tournaments.

Watched the match and felt that KKK was trying to do the things he should
not have done... he tried to take a few shots that were clearly for TBH and
worst of all, he failed to return the shots. Made 3 unforced errors hitting the
shuttle out of court during the last few crucial points.

Perhaps, it's the attention he is getting that is making him want to "shine"
more than his partner.

I like watching them play... the vitality, the zest, the spirit... but since
the Johor Bahru game which they lost to Tan Fook Choong and Lee Wan
Wah, I just feel that KKK is not the player he was when this young potential
olympic champion pair played when they first won their championship. And
without a choice, TBH (the less flashy and outspoken one among the 2) is
sufferring as his partner...

Just my humble 2 cents worth.

Yup,i've seen that in some previous matches as well,like in malaysia open.KKK definitely is hunger for fame..but ended up doing unnecesarry mistakes.Well..hope he'd learn from it.I can see some talents on him..

I dont know why but i am more fancying his partner,TBH..It's like he's more cool in the games,yet making less error..rather than KKK.Is it just me or some other ppl might agree as well?

KK/TBH need a better/stroner mentality so if rexy is not there..they know how to handle pressure, etc...I think they are learning to be tough....sometimes it takes time eventhough that they had quick and stunning success..may be it is good for them that they can be beaten even by their teammates so hopefully they will be more alert and focus ....come on guys..no need to bash them....INA team has more problem than Malay teams now...

INA teams have been always in troubles,so nothing's special,unlike malay..once strucked,ppl reacts more to it.:D

I guess double is about partnership,teamwork,rather than a one man show.Perhaps young pair KKK/TBH and others should understand that,and learn from the older pairs.

Yup,i've seen that in some previous matches as well,like in malaysia open.KKK definitely is hunger for fame..but ended up doing unnecesarry mistakes.Well..hope he'd learn from it.I can see some talents on him..

Ya... this KKK has potential so has TBH. The 2 of them pair up well in terms
of style of play... TBH more to the front player while KKK behind killing shots.

But if KKK carries on this way, guess TBH will have to go around placing
advertisement for a new partner... :)

I dont know why but i am more fancying his partner,TBH..It's like he's more cool in the games,yet making less error..rather than KKK.Is it just me or some other ppl might agree as well?

If you are the first, count me the second.

KKK is a brave player, perhaps too brave. But he hasn't been able to drop his showmanship habit, makes him take more risks in order to show off.

In 2006 Melbource Commonwealth Games, we lost a bronze medal in XD due mostly to his antics. Yet he is actually the best reader of the game and uses foresight to place shuttles in unexpected places.

TBH is calm and collected, almost too calm, I would say. Like Yap Kim Hock. Supremely gifted lefthander, but needs a lot more sting in the smash.

Koo/Tan would be complete if they have Fairuz/Zakry's power.

Power is nothing without control

Power is nothing without control

Absolutely. Like my golf, I have started to swing with less power for the sake of control.

Aviva Singapore Open: Rexy to have heart-to-heart chat with pair



04/05/07, 11:12:39


NATIONAL doubles coach Rexy Mainaky is concerned but has refrained himself from being too harsh on All England champions Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the wake of their shock first round exit from the Singapore Open on Wednesday.

Instead, Rexy wants to have a frank talk with Kien Keat-Boon Heong and find out the exact problem faced by the duo and re-establish their winning qualities again.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong were beaten 15-21, 21-13, 21-15 by compatriots Fairuzizuan Tazari-Zakry Latif on Wednesday, which comes after the pair lost to Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah in the Asian Badminton Championships final in Johor Baru last month.

Rexy was fuming mad with Kien Keat’s prima donna attitude in Johor Baru and the shuttler was taken to task immediately.

Kien Keat was punished by Rexy and the Indonesian was impressed with the way the former had responded and anticipated an improved performance from him in Singapore.
"I’ll have a meeting with Kien Keat and Boon Heong because I need to know what is disturbing them. Compared to their performance in Johor Baru, they played much better here and their fighting spirit was evident," said Rexy.

"But I can’t take them losing in the first round. This must not happen again.

"It is always hard when Malaysian pairs play each other. I can guarantee that they will play very much better when they are up against foreign pairs."

It was actually their fourth defeat to a Malaysian pair since partnering each other last November.

Fairuzizuan, with his previous partner Lin Woon Fui, had beaten Kien Keat-Boon Heong twice before Tan Fook-Wan Wah’s victory in the Asian Badminton Championships.

However, their record against foreign pairs are much better as they have only lost three times — twice to the now split South Korean combination Lee Jae Jin-Hwang Ji Man and former Olympic champions Candra Wijaya of Indonesia and Tony Gunawan of the United States — but have also beaten both pairs as well as other top combinations.

Same coach same techniques imparted to all of them. So we can expect everyone to know what the coach wants.

Assuming everything coming from Rexy is perfect, the pair that can put into play what the coach preaches should be the pair winning. I suspect Zakri-Fairuzizuan followed instructions better than KKK-TBH in the SO meeting.

I think it is the 'call of the day', depending on the players on the day to execute better, everything being equal. This is why it is always a danger for KKK-TBH to play Malaysian pairs.