Kuala Lumpur: Although their performance has been subpar in recent tournaments, World No. 11 mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing of Malaysia still has a chance to prove their worth at the 2017 BWF Super Series Finals to be held from December 13 to December 17 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to the President of Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the 2017 Dubai World Superseries Finals is the right event for Tan/Lai to officially declare an end to their consistent inconsistency.
“We are excited that Malaysia has two representatives in Dubai, Kian Meng/Pei Jing and Chong Wei. I really hope the mixed doubles pair can end their season on a high note,” said Zakaria.
“Only the top eight in each discipline can qualify and can compete in the season finale. So, I don’t want them to make it look easy after the Badminton World Federation (BWF) only allowed two of three qualified Chinese pairs to compete at the event. Furthermore, the withdrawal of Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand due to injury was also another factor that Tan/Lai could make the finals.”
Zakaria, who is also the Chairman of BAM Coaching & Training Committee told reporters that the 2017 Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold mixed doubles champions should seize this opportunity to, at long last, make some impacts in proving they are serious competitors and are trying to achieve their best at the tournament.
Zakaria, however set a very contrasting tone in regards to expectation on Lee Chong Wei who won the Hong Kong Open last month.
“There’s no pressure on Chong Wei, we think this is a great opportunity for him to build momentum before the start of new season,” added Zakaria.
Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing, and Lee Chong Wei are expected to travel to Dubai this Sunday to get ready for the season-ending championships that offers a total cash prize of USD $1 million (RM4.8 million).