THE Macau Open doesn't raise temperatures among Malaysia's badminton fraternity but national doubles coach Rexy Mainaky sees it as the event which has instilled Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong's self belief again.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong had gone without a title for 12 months and the Macau Open, although lacking a quality field, ended their drought.

Rexy said that Kien Keat-Boon Heong will start believing that they have what it takes to win titles and this positive energy will help them revive their career.

The pair will compete in the Denmark and French Opens, which has attracted several top pairs including Olympic champions Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia, but the Malaysians can go into the tournament with renewed confidence.

The Denmark Open will be held on Oct 21-26 while the French Open will be on Oct 28-Nov 2.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong are seeded third behind Markis-Hendra and Denmark's Lars Paaske-Jonas Rasmussen.

"It doesn't matter if it is a minor title but it was the Macau Open that has made Kien Keat-Boon Heong start believing they can win again," said Rexy at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

"When they start winning, they will become stronger and the self belief will help Kien Keat-Boon Heong in future tournaments.

"The next two Super Series tournaments will be tougher but Kien Keat-Boon Heong must be brave. There is less pressure on them and they more confident now. Win or lose, it doesn't matter but they should focus on giving their best and build on the encouragement they received in Macau."

Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who are the defending champions in the Denmark Open, have a tricky quarter-final match against China's Cai Yun-Xu Chen before taking on Markis-Hendra.

Rexy has not set any targets for the top pair as he is happy to see that both players are gearing up nicely for the European tournaments.

Besides Kien Keat-Boon Heong, Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan will also be competing in both tournaments but Rexy has decided to rest back-up pair Razif Latif-Tan Wee Kiong.

The coach said Razif-Wee Kiong had competed in three straight tournaments and need to rest before preparing well for the season-ending China and Hong Kong Opens next month. -- K.M BOOPATHY