A Federal Territory Health Department officer takes a saliva sample of Koo Kien Keat at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan
THEY have been criticised for being only good in individual tournaments and fumbling in team events but men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong have vowed to get their act together and deliver for Malaysia in the Thomas Cup Finals beginning on Sunday.
Boon Heong in particular has been branded as "individualistic" by some but Kien Keat came to the rescue of his partner saying that the former's shaky performance in team events, especially in the 2008 Thomas Cup, was due to inexperience.
There was little success for Kien Keat-Boon Heong in their first team competition, the 2006 Doha Asian Games, with more disappointments following in the 2007 Sudirman Cup in Glasgow, the 2008 Thomas Cup in Jakarta and the 2009 Sudirman Cup in Guangzhou.
However, Kien Keat claimed Boon Heong, 23, has matured and has become a solid player and they are looking forward to a successful outing.
"I'm quite surprised why people have branded us, especially Boon Heong, as individualistic. I rate the Thomas Cup as prestigious as the Olympics and we want to do well," said Kien Keat at Juara Stadium yesterday.
"Boon Heong was only 21 (then) and he had to play the first doubles with me straight away. He was a little inexperienced.
"However, he is a different player now and has improved tremendously. We are confident of delivering as the first doubles."
World No 1 Lee Chong Wei also rallied behind Kien Keat-Boon Heong and urged them to contribute to Malaysia's success as the first doubles.
Malaysia could have upset favourites China in the semi-finals two years ago as Chong Wei had toppled Olympic champion Lin Dan but Kien Keat-Boon Heong's defeat in the first doubles to Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng led to a 3-2 defeat.
"They have struggled a little in team events but I wouldn't say they are individualistic. I'm sure they have learnt a lot from the defeat in 2008 and want to make amends," said Chong Wei.
"Kien Keat-Boon Heong are playing well and looking solid so we are looking forward to a good performance from them.
"We are expecting everyone to contribute to the cause. My task is to contribute the first point and if Kien Keat-Boon Heong can stretch the advantage in the first doubles, it will give confidence to everyone. We have to work as a team."
This will be Kien Keat's fourth appearance in the Thomas Cup while Boon Heong will be making his third, having featured as a reserve in 2006.
They have yet to make their mark as the World No 1 pair and must deliver if Malaysia are to achieve success in the Thomas Cup this time.
CREDITS TO NST ONLINE
GOOD LUCK KKK/TBH!!!!!!!
MALAYSIA BOLEH!!!!!!
psstttttt....... tgh ternganga pon comel.......  
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Post time 4-5-2010 10:33 AM
Post time 4-5-2010 04:10 PM
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