TheStar Sept 19th KOO Kien Keat has admitted that going far in the mixed doubles event could affect his main focus in attempting to wrest the men's doubles crown. Partnering Wong Pei Tty, they recovered from a stuttering start yesterday to move into the second round of the mixed doubles competition with a 21-23, 21-17, 21-11 victory over Thailand's Kunchala Vorawichitchaikul-Songpol Anukritayawan. Kien Keat is competing in the men's doubles event with Chan Chong Ming and they are one of the favourites to win the title. “Playing in the mixed doubles can keep me on my toes as it allows me more time to get used to the courts. But I admit that it could have a bad effect mentally if we reach the quarter-finals because I could go out of focus having to play two different styles,” he said. “Physically, it will not be too taxing playing a dual role. But we will have a shorter rest period in between matches. That means that I have to rest more and not do any other activities like going for a walk during my free time.” National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky said he was not worried over several of the Malaysian doubles players having to play in two events. “It will not be a strain on the players as they are used to our gruelling training sessions, which can last up to three or four hours,” said Rexy. Besides Kien Keat and Pei Tty, the others having to play in two events are Mohd Fairuzizuan Tazari, Ooi Sock Ai and Fong Chew Yen. Kien Keat-Pei Tty will now play against Singapore's Hendra Wijaya-Fan Frances Liu in the second round tomorrow. Kien Keat-Chong Ming will open their accounts in the men's doubles second round tomorrow while Pei Tty and Chin Eei Hui will play today in the same stage of the women's doubles competition.
Kien Keat should learn from Park Joo Bong and also Kim Dong Moon on how they took both MD and XD titles in one championship. Perhaps KKK should take more Ginseng for faster energy recovery.
In my experience, playing mixed consumes more energy than doubles, especially on the Men's side. KKK has a valid point and concern. Thanks for the news, Ants.
Most of the men doing well in XD do not do well in MD. Look at Zhang/Gao, Sudket/Saralee, Widianto/Natsir, Robertson/Emms. Even Lee Jae Jin was recently sidelined by Lee Yong Dae, Jung Jae Sung etc. Maybe there's a reason why Cai and Fu do not play XD. There of course, will be exceptions, but they remain exceptions.
Now, with the withdrawal of CCM from MD, KKK can fully concentrate in XD and no need extra Ginseng. But, KKK is hoping now that WPT would not want to concentrate only in WD and give up XD.
is a sad story for KKK to not compete in MD but i hope that he can bring us some surprise on XD as we do not have really good result in XD b4.
KKK is not a bad mixed doubles player, I recall he won the silver medal in Singapore Open 2005? He just need to focus and now is the best time as no distraction from other event anymore.
Time for KKK to realise his potential as a versatile doubles player. WPT needs to be more confident of herself and not make too many mistakes.
