NATIONAL men’s doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang does not want one, but three solid pairs for the future.
Cheh Chang admitted that Malaysia have always been dependent on one pair, compared to countries like Indonesia and South Korea who have at least two strong pairs.
“Just look at the 2012 Olympics in London...we placed too much pressure and hope on Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and they crumbled.
“We cannot be hoping on a single pair when countries like South Korea and Indonesia have got a few pairs who are equally good.
“I have been testing out a few combinations and roughly have in mind the final pairings. I will, however, only reveal the names after the World Championships in August,” Cheh Chang said when met at Juara Stadium yesterday.
Scratch pairs Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Tan Boon Heong-Hoon Thien How have been playing together since the Thomas Cup Finals in New Delhi in May, and look set to continuing their partnership after the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In fact, V Shem-Wee Kiong are Malaysia’s hopes of retaining the men’s doubles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on July 23-Aug 3.
“These pairs have done well since the Thomas Cup in India, but they can be better. My aim is to have three solid pairs for the 2016 Olympics.
“Boon Heong-Thien How will be the senior pair, while V Shem-Wee Kiong will only be 27 then. That’s the golden age.
“I want a third pair, who should be slightly younger, that could go on to play in another Olympics.” Cheh Chang added.
Malaysia Open champion Lim Khim Wah is seen as the best candidate to partner a younger shuttler but Cheh Chang refused to confirm anything.
“Khim Wah will partner V Shem at the World Championships and anything can happen. Let’s be fair to everybody and wait till the World Championships are over.” By Fabian Peter