Kuala Lumpur: Men’s doubles coach of Malaysia Pang Cheh Chang is making the big move to nurture three strong men’s doubles for a shot at Olympic gold medal.
“Malaysia has always been relying on only one pair, while other countries such as Indonesia, China, and Korea have more than one strong pairs. We should not put all eggs in one basket, like we did in 2012 Olympics, where the country put too much pressure and hope on Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, they failed to deliver under too much pressure eventually,” said Cheh Chang.
“If we have two or more strong pairs, these pairs could lift the weight off each other and each pair could be the burden-bearer of the country,” added Cheh Chang.
Cheh Chang revealed that he has the right combinations in mind but will make the final announcement after the world championships.
Scratch pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong’s partnership is expected to become permanent after the World Championships in Copenhagen in August. The duo has stunned some of the best pairs in the world and maintained an unbeaten streak en route to helping Malaysia reach the Thomas Cup final in New Delhi. The pair is now aiming for the men’s doubles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 23-Aug 3.
For Tan Boon Heong, he is expected to renew his partnership with Hoon Thien How. Boon Heong and Thien How played well in last week’s Australia Open before bowed out to Lee Yong-dae/Yoo Yeon-Seong 21-14, 21-16 in the semi-finals.
The third pair is very likely to be Lim Khim Wah and former world junior champion Ow Yao Han.
“I am would like to have three strong pairs for the 2016 Olympic. Boon Heong-Thien How, V Shem-Wee Kiong and a third pair, which is the youngest among the pairs,” said Cheh Chang.
“Let’s not speculate on these pairs for now, depends on their performance in World Championships, things are still subject to change. Therefore, to be fair to everyone, I preferred to announce the final combinations after the world meet.”
