KUALA LUMPUR: “Advice can be given but it is up to the players themselves whether they heed and take such advice in the first place.”
This is the view of former national doubles player Koo Kien Keat to troubled former men’s national No 1 pair Goh V-Shem-Tan Wee Kiong on the eve of their foray into competition with new partners at the French Open from Oct 24 to 29.
According to Kien Keat, it does not matter who they pair up with, as what’s important is that they are able to rise once again with their new partners while having goals and vision of success.
“I do not lead a lifestyle such as theirs, I do not know what their hobbies are or their playing styles, but all that I have mentioned will not be an issue or problem provided they have a set target and a similar vision for success because what’s best for the new doubles,” said Kien Keat after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony between Badminton Asia, Seri Mutiara Development Sdn Bhd and E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd yesterday.
He explained it is not a question of separation or maintaining a good partnership, but more of the needs and what the players want.
“You see, even when we separate as a pair, in their hearts they might not share the same vision. Perhaps maintaining could be better as they might have the excitement to play together, just a difference of opinion. However, as a former doubles player, for me this part is unique, it differs a lot with singles players.
“We just cannot be selfish because we just never know who can be a partner in the future. I respect juniors or seniors who readily help each other out. It is ludicrous to think you and you alone are great,” said the former World No. 1 doubles player.
He stressed that playing doubles is nothing like singles competition because doubles players play with a partner who will have problems or issues from time to time, just like a couple.
“A good understanding and a give-and-take attitude is never easy. My advice to all doubles players is, if you have goals and a similar vision then that is the key to a successful partnership,” said Kien Keat.
When asked on the resignation of men’s doubles coach Jeremy Gan, he said he does not know the reasons behind his former coach’s decision.
“He is a very good coach and he once trained me for a period of time. For me, we can see for ourselves just how good he is based on the results achieved. I don’t know what happened, whether he got a better offer or if something else happened that led to such a decision.
“For me everyone has choices, and maybe he wants to take up a fresh new challenge elsewhere, though I am sad he resigned,” lamented Kien Keat.
Translated from Harian Metro