KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player Tan Boon Heong is still keen to represent Malaysia in major tournaments, including the Thomas Cup, despite not being able to commit himself full time.
The 31-year-old, who quit the BA of Malaysia in 2015 is currently with sports brand Yonex. He is set to form an independent partnership with former World No 1 men's doubles Yoo Yeon Seong of South Korea at the New Zealand and Australia Opens next month.
On Friday, Boon Heong's former partner, Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia, tipped the Malaysian to be a valuable asset for the national team ahead of the Thomas Cup in Bangkok next month.
The 33-year-old Indonesian, a three-time world champion and 2008 Olympic gold medal winner, ended his one-year partnership with Boon Heong early this year, to rejoin the Indonesian BA to strengthen the men's doubles department for the Thomas Cup and Asian Games this August.
Boon Heong, when contacted, said: "To be honest, I am still keen to play for my country. However, due to personal sponsorship commitments, I cannot join the BAM on a long term agreement. That is why I turned down their offer recently.
"Having said that, things have since gone silent, so I don't know if I would still be considered for the Thomas Cup. It's really BAM's choice at the end of the day. If my services are needed, then I am ready."
At the moment, Malaysia's best bets in the men's doubles department are national No 1 Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and national No 2 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, who have been struggling to hit form this season.
BAM honorary secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai said today: “Actually, we (BAM) have yet to make a decision, so it's still very much open.
"Be rest assured that our coaches are monitoring all players, both inside and outside the BAM.
"What I would like to say is that to represent the country, we expect to see certain qualities including a player's sacrifice, be it time, commitment or even sponsorship agreements. For doubles, it is not as easy. We need to have the players train together, to see which combination works best.
"The BAM recently brought in three players (Arif Latif, Azriyn Ayub and Lim Khim Wah) on a three-month probation. This will help as the coaches get to monitor their progress.
"As of now, no decision has been made, but we will be meeting early May to finalise the names, and the players will then know if they have made the cut for the Thomas Cup."