Boon Heong all set to face Americans

April 28
TheStar

YOUNGSTER Tan Boon Heong is set to make his Thomas Cup Finals debut in a partnership with Koo Kien Keat in Malaysia’s opening Group D tie against the United States today.

And the 19-year-old Boon Heong is looking forward to justify the coaches’ selection to play in his first major tournament.

“The last few weeks have been great for me. The training had been quite tough but I am used to it now. I am ready if the coaches want to field me in any of the ties,” said Boon Heong, who recently emerged as the runners-up of the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC), partnering Hoon Thien How.

“Initially, I was nervous but not any more. I will treat this as just another tournament.”

Boon Heong said that he had been training quite often with Chew Choon Eng and Kien Keat in Sendai.

“Our combinations are improving. If I am fielded, I will give my best,” said Boon Heong, who calls his dad, Yoon Meen, in Alor Star regularly to keep him updated on his progress in Japan.

Except for Boon Heong, chief coach Yap Kim Hock said that Malaysia would field their best players against the Americans.

If Boon Heong is fielded as the second pair with Kien Keat, veterans Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah will play at first doubles.

Kuan Beng Hong will be rested to give Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and Mohd Hafiz Hashim the first feel of the Finals.

The Americans can choose their team from Raju Rai, Eric Go, Ronald Sou, Bob Khan Malaythong, Tony Gunawan, Howard Bach and Howard Shu.

 

I'm not sure where is this heading to.