Qatar News Kuan Beng Hong is not a well-known name outside badminton circles. Even within the badminton world, he was not one of the readily-recognised names. Not until May 6 of this year, however. With Malaysia and Denmark drawn 2-all in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup – the world men’s team championships – the tie was down to the fifth and last match. Denmark fielded a relative newcomer, Joachim Persson, while Malaysia sent forth Kuan Beng Hong. The Dane prevailed in a tight finish 21-12, 21-19 to send one of the pre-tournament favourites packing out of the Thomas Cup. Since then, Kuan has had a rough time. Internet discussion forums have vilified him for being chicken and not being able to handle the pressure. The Malaysian media went hammer and tongs at the team, and particularly at him. The Badminton Association of Malaysia changed his coach; while he was earlier with Misbun Sidek, the association asked him to train under Li Mao. And suddenly, the promising player – who in 2005 was runner-up at the Asian Badminton Confederation championships in Hyderabad — seemed to dig a deep hole for himself. Kuan’s confidence shattered, he lost in the first round of four tournaments, losing to opponents ranked legions below him. It was a surprise, therefore, when Malaysia named him as their third singles player for the Asian Games. This had more to do with national coach Misbun Sidek’s belief in his ability than anything else, and Misbun himself has had to face plenty of criticism for picking Kuan. Every match won now is a lifeline for Kuan Beng Hong. “Ï’m recovering,” he says. There was a time during this year when he was so down on himself he couldn’t beat even the journeymen of the game; but he managed to reach the pre-quarters of the last two events — the World Championships and the China Open. Not great results, but Kuan Beng Hong has already seen the worst the game can offer, and maybe he’s been so deep in the pits the only way is up.
Ants,that's very nice of you to be so positive of KBH.Misbun still believe Kuan has the ability to be a world class player.To have the confidence of MIsbun speaks for itself of Kuan's potential.Its time for Kuan to play ball.
he is definitely one for the future... i like KBH's physique, seems suited for badminton.. hopefully he can raise his game and start fulfilling his potential... this is one name i'll certainly look out for in the near future! (besides WCH.... lol)
even though he has disappointed us before but i still believe he can be one of those top players one day... KBH add oil!!!!!!!!
Kuan Beng Hong has a lot of potential...he is still young and his journey may be longer. Hope that he recovers from whatever that he is suffering from and be on track! I will always support him...!
KBH is definitely impressive Hi Smautf, If the World No.5, Chen Jin, needed 57 minutes to beat KBH @Madrid, in the 2006 World Badminton Championships, with a score of 21-18, 18-21 and 21-18...... it showed that KBH is definitely impressive. Cheers... chris@ccc
I really hope that KBH will be at his best in the Malaysian Open. He needs something to raise his level of confidence.
He had a slight injury during training the past weeks. However he hope he can still play well during the MO.
Hafiz and KBH already sounding the injury alarm right before the tournament which is starting next week. Bad luck. I suppose this means what it usually means. LCW will just have to shoulder the entire nations hopes all by himself once again. Hopefully YKB, WCH, Sairul, LTS and the juniors can do something to ease the burden. TBBMBB(N)
I like how KBH is progressing, his play is more assertive now under Li Mao and I expect him to have a breakthru year in 2007.
he is improving under li mao.. but li mao going to leave now.. sigh.. kuan beng hong ar kuan beng hong.. jux can wish u all da best lor..
dropped sounds more like it... is KBH dropped from the national squad?? long time i haven't heard any news of him?