MALAYSIA has sufficient quality when it comes to men's doubles but as the recent Hong Kong Open once again showed, inconsistency is a major concern that should be addressed fast.

For the record, a total of nine pairs competed in the 32-draw of the men's doubles which was won by Korea's Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae.

A sense of relief must have engulfed national doubles coach Rexy Mainaky as he watched Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong eliminate Olympic and world champions Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia from the tournament with a clinical display of aggressive badminton.

Rexy could not be faulted if he thought the title was in the bag as Markis-Hendra are currently a rung above the rest but as is the norm these days, Kien Keat-Boon Heong looked average when going down to compatriots Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari in the semi-finals.

Zakry-Fairuz played above themselves against Jae Sung-Yong Dae in the title match which they finally lost in a close battle.
The Malaysian pair may be cursing their luck but they must admit that the Koreans remained solid at crucial stages to nail their fifth title this year.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong and Zakry-Fairuz are capable of performing brilliantly on their day but have always struggled to string match-winning efforts and that is frustrating for all concerned.

This is something Markis-Hendra and Jae Sung-Yong Dae have mastered which explains their regular success rate.

Consistency comes with the ability of a player or doubles pair to remain successful day in and day out, tournament after tournament, and this takes a lot of discipline and a craving to win titles.

A prime example of sheer consistency is squash' Nicol David, the World No 1, who has made the women's game her very own.

Nicol remained unbeaten throughout the year and won 10 International titles.

No one expects our men's doubles to emulate Nicol's feat as the competition level in badminton is much higher, but regularly seeing them win is not too much to ask.

Back-up pairs like Razif Latif-Tan Wee Kiong, Hoon Thien How-Ong Soon Hock and Mak Hee Chun-Teo Kok Siang also have lots of potential but they must be careful not to fall into bad habits.

In fact, women's doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui have been far more successful despite losing in the semi-finals in many a competition.

A recurring ankle injury to Eei Hui has restricted their progress but having reached three finals from their last four tournaments, and winning the Denmark Open, is a remarkable sign of consistency.

Pei Tty and Eei Hui, considering the latter's regular injury woes, can go on achieving success if they are selective.

The same, being selective, should also apply to men's singles World No 1 Lee Chong Wei and women's singles Wong Mew Choo who have not been having a good run after the Olympics.