KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles coach Chin Eei Hui admitted that national No 1 Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing were far off their mark after crashing out in the opening round of the Hong Kong Open last week.
Eei Hui said the defeat was due to tactical issues.
"At the China Open two weeks ago, Kian Meng was unwell, but he recovered in time for the Hong Kong Open, so he cannot use that as an excuse. All I can say is that he did not live up to expectations," said Eei Hui on Monday.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing were sent packing in the first round by China's Zhang Nan-Liu Xuanxuan in Hong Kong, which has dampened their chances for a spot in the World Super Series Finals in Dubai on Dec 13-17.
"We will have to assess their condition before deciding on whether to send them for the competition in Dubai should they qualify.
"They still have two more weeks and it's hard to include any specific programme for them. All I can say is that they have to be at their best if they are to make the trip," added Eei Hui.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing are currently ranked No 8 on the BWF World Super Series Finals ranking. Only the top eight pairs will qualify on merit.
Meanwhile, national men's singles head coach Misbun Sidek said he will need to understand his trainees' temperament better in order to help them unlock their true potential.
The 57-year-old coach will monitor his shuttlers at the Korea Masters that starts on Tuesday.
The three shuttlers who will compete in Gwangju are Malaysia International Challenge champion Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Soong Joo Ven and Tan Jia Wei.