Promotion awaits Kim Hock By RAJES PAUL KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Yap Kim Hock, coach of the shuttlers at the World Junior Championships starting today at Pretoria, has good news awaiting him when he returns. He is the man picked to replace South Korean Park Joo-bong as national men’s doubles coach. The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had appointed Kim Hock as the Bukit Jalil Sport School (BJSS) coach in March but they are set to promote him as the new coach based on his achievement and commitment over the last eight months. Yesterday, BAM secretary Zolkples Embong said Kim Hock had the credentials to take over Joo-bong’s place. Despite being caught for drink-driving last year and fined RM2,500, the transformed Kim Hock has taken the second chance given to him by BAM and has worked diligently to prove himself. “From what I gather, Kim Hock is doing very well since we offered him a job as our junior coach in BJSS,” said Zolkples. Under Kim Hock’s charge, Malaysia emerged as the Asian junior champions through Koo Kien Keat-Ong Soon Hock in August. “His attitude in training is very good, his relationship with players is good and he is hardworking and willing to learn. As a player, he has won a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games.” Kim Hock officially retired from the national scene in October 2000 after an 11-year career. Zolkples said that the BAM wanted to make the best use of their resources. “This is a good time to go local in our coaching set-up. We have to make best use of what resources we have.” The BAM will finalise the new coaching set-up by the end of this month. With a new challenge ahead, Kim Hock will be hoping to end his job as the junior coach with a bang. Today, Malaysia’s challenge in the world junior meet begins with the mixed team event. They play South Africa in the opening match of Group W. It will then be followed with the individual competition from Oct 29-Nov 3. Malaysia are not expected to reach the semi-finals in the mixed team event because top seeds China are in their way. But top seeds Kien Keat-Soon Hock, it is hoped, can become the third Malaysian pair to lift the world junior doubles title. Chan Chong Ming won it twice, with Jeremy Gan in 1996 and Teok Kok Seng in 1998.
Whatever happened to Jeremy Gan and Teok Kok Seng? Chan Chong Ming should be partnering Jeremy Gan or Teok Kok Seng since they've won the World Junior Champs together....
According to a reliable source, Chan Chong Ming partnered Chew Choon Eng because Jeremy Gan, his original partner before Park came, was not good enough for him. Park thinks very highly of Chan, and wanted to find him a partner who is more or less established, or already has experience in the senior circuit. At that time, the players available were only Lee Wan Wah, Choong Tan Fook and Chew Choon Eng. But since Lee/Choong was already a pair, and both are often down with injuries, Chew was the only sensible option. As for Teo Kok Seng, er... I don't think he's in the national team now.
Chan Chong Ming is a very complete doubles player, he is deceptive and explosive and very very quick. I believe at the moment he is the best in Malaysia in terms of mens doubles, so it it not easy to find a partner to compliment him. Having said that, Chun Eng is aslo very good, it's just that he always makes a string of costly mistakes during crucial moments, especially in the net area. IMO, I think Park is right to pair Chan and Chew together because this is the best option currently available. The new pair of Koo Kien Keat and Ong Soon Hock is still very inexperienced, but I hope they come through soon to give Chan/Chew more options. Also, congrats to Kim Hock, he deserves this appointment.
