Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is preparing to strengthen 2nd choice national mixed doubles pairing Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, after realising the importance of the mixed doubles event and its medalling prospect in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
After the rise of main mixed doubles duo Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, BAM believed now is the time to foster Kian Meng-Pei Jing to reach the level of their seniors. They started out by focusing Kian Meng only in mixed doubles instead of playing in men’s doubles as well, which he previously partnered with Low Juan Shen.
“I can just concentrate in mixed doubles now since I don’t need to play in men’s doubles anymore. The management and my coach believed that I’ll be able to perform to my true potential in a mixed doubles pair,” said Kian Meng, as quoted by Harian Metro.
Such a decision from BAM will be beneficial as Kian Meng-Pei Jing can now focus on their training and improve their play to emulate Peng Soon-Liu Ying, who will be in action in Rio this August.
“I hope in this 6 months leading up to the end of the 2016 season, we will at least reach the semi-final or final of a Grand Prix or GP Gold level tournament.”
“We would also like to improve our ranking to be among the top 25,” said Kian Meng who started out his international career as a men’s singles player.
Peng Soon-Pei Jing is currently ranked 45 in the world and their best achievements so far were getting a runners-up medal in Malaysia Masters and the Poland Open.
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