LONDON, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The combination of Malaysia's top men's doubles, pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boo Heong will be retained, at least until the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, said national coach Tan Kim Her.
Kim Her said the pair had proven their prowess in the world badminton arena and currently stood at world number eight.
"Currently I've no plans to split them. May be not until the Commonwealth Games," he said.
In the 2012 Olympic badminton event which ended yesterday, the duo lost in the semifinals and were involved in the bronze medal decider but bow out 21-23, 10-21 to top seeded South Korean pair Chung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae.
Kim Her believes Kien Keat and Boon Heong are still Malaysia's best pair currently as there's a big gap between them and the others, especially the juniors.
The next Malaysian pair in the world ranking after Kien Keat and Boon Heong is Lim Khim Wah/Goh V Shem at 23rd spot.
There are several major Games before the 2014 Commonwealth Games, namely World Championships and All England tournament which are held every year, 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea and 2014 Thomas Cup.
For the record, Kien Keat and Boon Heong were the number one pair in the world for six months, from 2009 to 2010, winning numerous titles, including the prestigious 2007 All England men's doubles.
Rumours were rife that the pair would be split due to their dismal performances of late.
The scratch pair of Kien Keat and Hoon Thien How for instance had outclassed South Korean pair Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae in the Sudirman Cup tournament in China last May.
"But when Kien Keat and Boon Heong teamed up as a pair, they were easily beaten by the same opponents," Kim Her said.
From Zulhilmi Supaat -- BERNAMA
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