Badminton: Kien Keat turns to partner for help

Koo Kien Keat is hoping for Boon Heong to lead the way at the Olympics

KOO Kien Keat, having suffered one too many setbacks of late, has turned to partner Tan Boon Heong for the support he desperately needs in order to return to winning ways especially with the Beijing Olympics looming large.

Kien Keat, often criticised for being too individualistic and lacking commitment, almost missed out on the Olympics due to a freak accident in Bukit Jalil several weeks ago, but is now hoping for Boon Heong to lead the way in the most important event of their careers.

The injury to his right hand, which needed 20 stitches, and right thigh, has shaken up Kien Keat who nevertheless is thankful for a second chance and intends making it a meaningful one in Beijing.

"I have had enough criticism thrown at me and I hope to put things right," said Kien Keat. "Also, the injury nearly ended my Olympic dream, so I am happy to have passed the test at this crucial period.

"I now need his (Boon Heong's) help to make an impact in Beijing."
"I used to do too much on court and this didn't really help. I'm slowly regaining my performance and confidence again.

"The injury had disrupted my preparations but I consider myself lucky to be playing in the Olympics," he added.

"We have improved our understanding of each other's play and though our rivals may not consider us major threats, we can still bounce back."

National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky had also revealed that the players, who had differences, had patched up after a recent heart-to-heart talk in his presence after a training session.

Rexy said both players are now more positive and are really looking forward to their chance for a shot at Olympic gold.

Kien Keat's positive attitude also means that the pair, who were touted as clear favourites for Olympic gold after a fabulous run in 2007, will return to action stronger after missing two Super Series tournaments -- the Singapore and Indonesia Opens -- which were the last warm-up events before the Olympics.

Fellow Olympics-bound pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah also gave the tournaments a miss but their absence wasn't felt as Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari went on to clinch both titles.

NST