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    19 August 2012| last updated at 01:45AM

    BADMINTON: No hidden motive

    By K.M. BOOPATHY | boopathy@nst.com.my

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    PRECAUTION: Koo-Tan kept out of China Masters as they are not ready

    KOO Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong have been withdrawn from the China Masters super series on Sept 11-16 but doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her has stressed that it has nothing to do with the impending decision on the duo's future as a pair.

    Kim Her said the sole reason in not allowing Kien Keat-Boon Heong to compete in the China Masters is that they are not well prepared after taking a break since returning form the London Olympics on Aug 7.

    As to their future as a pair, Kim Her said he will submit his recommendations to the coaching and training committee (CTC) for a final decision.

    "Kien Keat-Boon Heong took a break after the Olympics and are not prepared to compete in the China Masters. That is the reason I have withdrawn them and not because of the current uncertainty of their future as a pair," said Kim Her.

    "The decision on whether to retain them as a pair or split them is entirely a different issue. I will make my recommendations and let the CTC come to a conclusion. It is still premature to say anything on the issue.

    "Kien Keat-Boon Heong will still be given the opportunity to play in the China Super League which will begin at the end of this month. The competition in the league is not too intense and they will only play matches on a weekly basis."

    The China Super League, consisting 12 teams, will be held in stages with the group stage held between Aug 25 and Oct 13 while the playoff will be held from Nov 1 to Dec 9.

    Kien Keat-Boon Heong will play for Guangzhou while Lee Chong Wei will be switching to a new team, Hangzhou this year.

    Should Kien Keat-Boon Heong's wish to remain as a pair be granted, they are expected to compete in the Japan Open on Sept 18-23.

    However, if the sentiments of the majority of the council members and badminton fans are any indication, the China Super League could be Kien Keat-Boon Heong's last tournament as a pair.

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