Kuala Lumpur: Despite their recent decline in form, World No. 10 Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong are still Malaysia’s best bet to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Former Malaysian national men’s doubles player, Lee Wan Wah told reporters that Goh/Tan should use the low points of their career to motivate themselves for an eventual comeback.
“Both of them have are highly talented, although they are now struggling but they are on the right track to return to top of the game,” said Lee.
“So, I advise them to continue working hard and do not give up, they are still the best Malaysian men’s doubles and have the highest chance to win an Olympic medal despite challenges from the young pairs,” said Lee, who won the 2006 and 2007 Asian Championships with his partner Choong Tan Fook.
Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong, who won the 2016 Olympic silver medal, were criticized for their first round defeat in the hands of India’s Manu Attri/B Reddy Sumeeth at last week’s Japan Open.
For the record, the last time Goh/Tan ever win an international tournament was at the 2016 Dubai Superseries Final. Since then, they had been in a slump, and were temporarily separated before being reunited early 2018.
Nevertheless, Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong will get a chance to redeem their Japan Open failures in Changzhou, where they will open their China Open campaign against Indian pair Rakireddy Satwiksairaj/Shetty Chirag on Wednesday.
“They’ll need to communicate with each other more and talk to their coaches to find the best solution to their problems. I believe if they remain committed, positive results will follow,” said Lee.
