Latest news with #MalaysianMasters
The Star
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
All Bing Kun wants is a lasting partnership with latest partner Pei Kee
Loo's latest switch: Bing Kun (left) will combine with Pei Kee starting from the Macau Open from July 29-Aug 3. PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Loo Bing Kun hopes to form a stable partnership with Go Pei Kee in the mixed doubles after switching partners many times. Bing Kun, who had a brief stint with the experienced Toh Ee Wei last month, will combine with Pei Kee, starting from the Macau Open from July 29-Aug 3. The 23-year-old has not managed to nail down a partnership so far and hopes that he can finally establish himself with Pei Kee. The latter, who is also 23, will take on double duty as she will continue playing in the women's doubles with Teoh Mei Xing. 'The coaches informed me that I will be partnering Pei Kee and we started training together this week,' said Bing Kun after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday. 'I hope this will be permanent. I have changed many partners before this. I played longest for one year with Ho Lo Ee. 'To be able to perform well, I think it's better to have a steady partner. Doubles players need time to gel.' Bing Kun showed glimpses of his potential during his short time with Ee Wei, reaching the quarter-finals and second round in the Taiwan Open and Malaysian Masters respectively. The Penang-born player is hoping to use the experience gained with Ee Wei in his new partnership with Pei Kee. 'Playing with a senior player like Ee Wei was a turning point for me. I learned a lot from her,' said Bing Kun. 'The style of play with Pei Kee will be different and I need to help her get her rhythm back in the mixed doubles as she has been focusing solely on women's doubles for the past six months. 'She has also been playing more in the back court in women's doubles, so I need to help her adapt to playing at front. 'Playing in two events will not be a problem for her as she is physically strong enough to cope,' added Bing Kun.
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Haikal-Hon Jian's belief remains firm despite shaky start in comeback
PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttlers Mohd Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian believe they still have the quality to close the gap on their higher-ranked national teammates despite a rough start to their comeback. The pair have had little to shout about in five tournaments so far this season, crashing out in the opening round in all but one, the Malaysian Masters in late May, where they bowed out in the second round. Haikal admitted that their current form has been worrying, with both still trying to regain their rhythm after lengthy layoffs due to injuries. Haikal was sidelined for several months after tearing his hip muscle earlier this year. Ironically, Hon Jian had suffered the same injury just months earlier, forcing the duo to pull out of several tournaments, including the Arctic and Denmark Opens. 'There's no issue between us when it comes to communication, but with both of us struggling with injuries at different times, it's been difficult. It has definitely affected our performance,' said Haikal. 'Hon Jian and I are determined to recapture the form we showed in India two years ago and when we won the Orleans Masters last year. 'Honestly, after five months out and only one month of training, we were sent straight into five back-to-back tournaments. It's been a real struggle, and we've felt the pressure.' The former world No. 18 duo have now slipped to No. 47 in the latest world rankings. Still, Haikal-Hon Jian are refusing to throw in the towel. They believe they can return to their best as long as they stay committed and injury free. They are currently preparing for the Japan Open from July 15-20, followed by the China Open the following week. 'We know the touch is still there, we just haven't been able to find it again. I'll admit we've been lacking consistency. 'After each match, especially in these last five events, I've just been thankful to walk away uninjured. 'Losing is tough, but nothing compares to the pain of another injury and the long months of rehab that come with it,' he added.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soar with the VAR
In or out?: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in action against Taiwan's Liu Kuang-heng-Yang Po-han in the second round of the Malaysian Masters last month.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Cool comfort of Camerons might just be the tonic Soon Huat-Shevon need
Tough luck: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie react after losing to Denmark's Mads Vestergaard-Christine Busch in the first round of the Malaysian Masters last month. PETALING JAYA: A quiet holiday in Cameron Highlands could do the trick for mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie to return on a high for the second half of a hectic season. After going through a rollercoaster ride in the first six months, Soon Huat-Shevon are aiming for a more stable show for the rest of the season. They have 11 tournaments lined up for them, which will start with the Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. Shevon is appreciative of the short break with husband and few friends to shrug off physical and mental lethargy. 'The beginning of the year was good, but the last few tour stops weren't so good. We've taken a short break last week to recuperate,' said Shevon. They lost in the first round of the Malaysian Masters and reached the quarter-finals of the back-to-back Singapore and Indonesian Opens. They did well in January by reaching the semi-finals of the Malaysian and Indian Opens. 'We aim to return refreshed as we have a hectic start ... we'll be playing in 11 tournaments in six months.' 'Our goal is to improve our ranking and put up a more consistent showing.' The duo are ranked sixth in the world, lying three rungs below Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. At one point, the professionals who train under coach Teo Kok Siang, were ranked as the country's top pair. Shevon said their main goal in the second half is to shine at the World Championships in Paris in August. 'Hopefully, we will make it a good one at this year's worlds,' added Shevon. They have featured in the world meet four times and their best was a quarter-final finish at the 2022 edition in Tokyo. At the last edition in Copenhagen in 2023, they crashed out in the third round.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
BAM boss Zafrul commends shuttlers for good showing, urges to keep it up
Special visit: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz having a light moment with coach Rexy Mainaky and players. PETALING JAYA: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz commended the national players and coaches for returning home with good results from recent outings. He however, jokingly denied that his recent presidency had anything to do with it; instead, it was the hard work of both players and coaches. Men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik won the Singapore Open earlier this month, as well as the Thailand Open last month, and finished as runners-up to compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun at the Malaysian Masters last month as well. Pearly-Thinaah recently made it to the Indonesian Open final but ended their run in the Super 1000 tournament as runners-up to China's Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning. They also captured the Thailand Open last month, while also reaching the Malaysian Masters semi-finals and quarter-finals at the Singapore Open after that. "It can't be because of me, but it does show that the coaches, especially in the doubles department, have done good work," said Zafrul after a visit at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) at Kiara. "The results reflect that. But in my view, there's still plenty more to be done, especially for those handling the singles department. "We're pleased with what our players have achieved. I hope those competing at the Japan and China Open will continue to be consistent," he said.
