National men’s doubles pairs Goh V Shem- Tan Wee Kiong and Koo Kien Keat- Tan Boon Heong will be competing among themselves to ensure a slot in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the subject has been garnering a lot of publicity.
Badminton doubles’ legend, Datuk Razif Sidek, admits that he will not take sides but is sure that the two pairs will do their best to make sure they qualify in the Olympics.
“The journey is still long but the battle between them is a good thing. It’s a healthy competition. For Kien Keat and Boon Heong, this might be their last appearance in the Olympics,” he said as quoted from Harian Metro.
Kien Keat and Boon Heong currently stand at no.12 in the BWF World Ranking with 45, 050 points, trailing one spot behind their juniors whom now stand at no.11 with 45,998 points.
“Kien Keat-Boon Heong had spent a lot of money this year and they still have a chance to qualify if they continue accumulating points next year. V Shem and Wee Kiong however, can’t be underestimated too, since they won the US Open not long ago,” he added.
“However, I admit that Kien Keat and Boon Heong are still fierce opponents. Their names will definitely be remembered. Their game play is still the same but slightly different physically.”
“Their aim this time would be to enter the finals and clinch the ultimate win, not just qualify to the Olympics. Now they’re moving on by themselves and want to make a point and prove their brilliance to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and their sponsors.”
Razif had previously won a bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
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