KUALA LUMPUR: Former Olympic silver medallist Tan Wee Kiong has been busy with his player-coach role at the Malaysia Super 100 tournament.
And he helped independent mixed doubles pair Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien to reach the semi-finals at Juara Stadium today.
Wee Kiong, who won the men's doubles silver with Goh V Shem at the 2016 Rio Olympics, oversaw second seeds Tien Ci-Chiew Sien's 21-17, 15-21, 21-10 win over Americans Presley Smith-Jennie Gai in the last eight.
He partnered Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub in the men's doubles, but they lost 21-19, 21-15 to Taiwan's Wu Hsuan Yi-Ye Hong Wei.
Wee Kiong then proceeded to guide another independent pair, Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong to a 21-10, 21-12.win over Japan's Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami.
Wee Kiong said he has been helping a group of independent pairs, who play in Super 100 and 300 tournaments, in the last three months.
"We train together and the group don't have a coach. So, I decided to offer some coaching to them," said the 35-year-old Wee Kiong.
"I don't have intention to become a (full-time) coach for now but I think this is an opportunity to impart my knowledge to these players."
On his defeat in the men's doubles, Wee Kiong said: "Three clear decisions (umpiring) went against us while it took some time to get adjusted to the scratch Taiwan pair."
Wee Kiong's advice will be crucial in helping Hang Yee-Eng Cheong overcome HsuanYi-Hong Wei in the semi-finals.
Tien Ci-Chiew Sien will also look to the Olympian when they play Shimogami-Sayaka Hobara of Japan.
Meanwhile, Malaysia are assured of a spot in the girls' doubles final with Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee meeting compatriots Ng Qi Xuan-Yap Rui Chen in the last four.
In the quarter-finals, Mei Xing-Pei Kee defeated Tan Zhing Hui-Amanda Yap 21-13, 21-10 while Qi Xuan-Rui Chen overcame Tsai Ruo Lin-Wang Yi Zhen of Taiwan 21-14, 21-15.
Results Q-finals
Malaysians unless stated
Men's doubles: Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong bt Takumi Nomura-Yuichi Shimogami 21-10, 21-12; Wu Hsuan Yi-Ye Hong Wei (Tpe) bt Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub 21-19, 21-15.
Women's doubles: Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee bt Tan Zhing Hui-Amanda Yap 21-13, 21-10' Ng Qi Xuan-Yap Rui Chen bt Tsai Ruo Lin-Wang Yi Zhen (Tpe) 21-14, 21-15; Lui Lok Lok-Tsang Hui Yan (HK) bt OngXin Yee-Carmen Ting 21-17, 21-17; Nicole Gonzales Chan-Yang Chu Yun (Tpe) bt Lee Zhi Qing-Tio Sue Xin 21-12, 21-13.
Mixed doubles: Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien bt Presley Smith-Jennie Gai (US) 21-17, 15-21, 21-10; Ye Hong Wei-Nicole Gonzales Chan (Tpe) bt Wee Yee Hern-Vannee Gobi 21-19, 21-13.