KUALA LUMPUR: Have Olympic silver medallists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong done enough to stop their downhill slide?
That’s the question from national men's doubles head coach Paulus Firman.
He still believes in the pair but admitted that while former World No 1 V Shem-Wee Kiong have shown committment in training, it may not be enough.
V Shem-Wee Kiong went through another dry spell this year, extending their wait to two years without a silverware.
In fact, they have suffered five consecutive early round exits since September.
With the Olympic qualifying period starting in May, Paulus is beginning to feel the heat.
The BA of Malaysia have also announced that V Shem-Wee Kiong may not remain for long in the national team, if they do not save their partnership within the next four months.
“The time has come for V Shem-Wee Kiong to ask themselves if they have done enough to come out of their slump," said Paulus yesterday.
“They're fully committed during training, but is that the best from them? Results are showing otherwise.
"They might think they have given their 100 per cent but maybe they haven't tried pushing harder.
"Looking at the results, we can say that their best is not good enough. Hopefully they realise this and give more than just 100 per cent in everything they do, be it work rate, desire and even commitment.
"They don't really have much of a choice, they have to do it," added Paulus.
Having said that, Paulus assured he will do his best to try and save Malaysia's No 1 men's doubles.
"I know the pressure is on me too, but I took up this job because of that challenge. I could have coached anywhere and had a much easier task.
"But I believe in these guys (V Shem-Wee Kiong), because they've been there.
"No one can go on to win silver at the Olympics, Denmark Open and the World Super Series Finals before going on to be World No 1 if they aren't special," said Paulus.