Isn't it time to revive those kkk/tbh going downhill thread again. I cant believe these two. The last two sets were so disappointing I literally screamed at the screen. poor chong wei. This lad deserves better teammates.
Was really impressed how KKK took the challenge with Setiawan at the net. He still was able to be on par with Setiawan. And they wasn't that lazy today as we have seen them in the last year or so. They were really driven. What a great game by them. And Ahsan / Setiwan played well, too. This was no easy win.
last week INA Open KKK/TBH no mood to win game, this week AUS open they dunno what happen, get hyped and win against Ahsan/Setiawan...
how dare they win!! they are supposed to be no hopers lazy bums... and they defeated the world champions!!!! .... shouldn't they be going downhill hitting rock bottom already!!!
maybe they just read a book called "Never, Ever Give Up!" author by badminton legend Foo Kok Keong...
Lol... They were down something like 6 points after the interval in 3rd game, but great defensive plays, an on fire TBH, and Ahsan eventually tired from all his smashes being returned really turned it to a 21-19 win.
It definitely wasn't luck, but their style of play really does hurt Ahsan/Setiawan more than others even though. TBH/KKK play a slightly unusual game and have a tendency to play shots most players would only try in an exhibition match. This unpredictability is not too dissimilar to Setiawan in that there is an element of surprise in their choice of shots. But what really hurt the Indonesians was the fact that they had a great relaxed defence, were on form, and were able to repeatedly lifted high to Ahsan, taking Setiawan out of the equation. And because Ahsan struggles to maintain full power smashes repeatedly, he doesn't like high deep lifts all the time so tends to drop a lot which again takes Setiawan out of the game. Couple this with KKK's natural ability at the net and TBH's excellent rear court smashes it bode well for them. Let's hope they can keep it up. It's great to see KKK once again so sharp at the net. Admittedly I did doubt whether he was up to the job when they announced their comeback but it seems they have really improved, plus knowing that he has come out of retirement probably takes the pressure off him and allows him to play more freely.
Their problem is consistency. Now without the chance going to Rio, not too sure are they still motivated to continue. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
i think they should start change their gameplay, which KKK have to focus on play at the backcourt like TKM while TBH need to level up his frontcourt play, like how FHF has changed since his former partner CY left...
Kien Keat ready to turn the pages and consider coaching BY RAJES PAUL The Denmark, China and Hong Kong Opens will be the last three outings for the pair before Kien Keat (right) call it quits. ODENSE (Denmark): Men’s doubles shuttler Koo Kien Keat may turn to coaching when he quits playing at the end of this year. Kien Keat and his partner Tan Boon Heong, who quit the national team in early 2015, have been trying to revive the good old days and it hasn’t been too bad a journey, thus far. They are ranked 16th in the world and are the country’s second best pair after world No. 7 Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong. In fact, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were even recalled to play in the Thomas Cup Finals last year as they are still considered more reliable than others in the national team. ADVERTISEMENT The highlight for Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who played for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for 10 years, must be the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, where they won the gold medal. The 32-year-old Kien Keat admitted that the ongoing Denmark Open and next month’s China Open and Hong Kong Open will be his last three outings with Boon Heong. As Kien Keat wades into coaching after that, Boon Heong is expected to carry on playing with a new partner. Kien Keat had dabbled in coaching before, enjoying a six-month stint with Thailand before reuniting with Boon Heong. If he were to become a coach, one of the things he plans to do is to cultivate a healthy rivalry within the men’s doubles department. “When Boon Heong and I were in the national team, we had a healthy competition with Lee Wan Wah-Chan Chong Ming. There was always someone to push us in the national team,” said Kien Keat, who trains under Wan Wah now. “There was less pressure. If one of us crashed out early, the other pair would go far. “I do not see anyone pushing V Shem-Wee Kiong in the national team right now. Hopefully, we can quickly find the second and third ranked pairs. We cannot rely just on one ‘horse’ ... it will be too much for them.” http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/10/19/kien-keat-ready-to-coach-badminton/
Tan can still be a Boon for Malaysia if he’s needed BADMINTON Friday, 15 Dec 2017 PETALING JAYA: Doubles specialist Tan Boon Heong is ready to don national colours again if his services are needed to strengthen the Thomas Cup Finals squad. The Finals will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 20-27 next year. But first, the Malaysian team must qualify for the Finals during the Badminton Asia Championships in Alor Setar, Kedah, from Feb 6-11. Only four tickets are up for grabs from the qualifiers in Asia. Boon Heong is available to play because his partnership with Indonesian Olympic gold medallist Hendra Setiawan has ended. “I’m open if BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) wants me to play. I leave it up to them,” said Boon Heong. image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2017/12/15/02/32/tan-boon-heong-badminton.ashx?la=en Tan Boon Heong “I had a good year with Hendra. We gave some of the top pairs a good fight at the Opens in Denmark, China and Hong Kong.” Boon Heong and Hendra played 18 tournaments in total this year and they did well to enter the final of the Australian Open Superseries and semi-finals of the China Masters. They ended the season as the world No. 21 pair just within a year. It will not be the first time if BAM recall independent shuttler Boon Heong to play for them. The 30-year-old Boon Heong, who left the national team in March, 2015, was also invited to play for Malaysia at the Thomas Cup Finals in Kunshan, China, last year. Then, he played with former partner Koo Kien Keat and Malaysia went on to reach the semi-finals. “I’ve not made any plans for next year yet but I’ll consider if BAM gives me a chance to play,” added Boon Heong, who is one of the most admired, feared and respected players for his powerful smashes. Malaysia will be banking on Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin as their top two pairs for the Finals. Boon Heong’s presence will give Malaysia an edge but it’s up to men’s doubles head coach Cheah Soon Kit whether he wants to use an old-timer or give a youngster an opportunity to prove himself in the team event. Soon Kit may consider using the services of youngsters Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani or Chooi Kah Ming-Low Juan Shen for the Finals. Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/ba...r-malaysia-if-hes-needed/#UaXxm0GoFL6wvY6g.99
He need to up his stamina.. and keep unleash his monstrous smash.. he will be force to be reckon again. 30 still young..
Unfortunately, I think BAM does not really need him or Koo anymore. Remember 2016 Thomas Cup against Denmark meltdown? They have no more stamina to compete against world's top players. I'd rather have youngsters to take the spot.
Good point. Realistically, there is no chance of a win. Many times in the past, chances for younger players to play were given up for seniors.
