PETALING JAYA: It’s normal to point the blame to one another in doubles but stand above it, says former badminton international Tan Boon Heong.
The top players’ performance in the All-England that ended on Sunday had come under fire from different quarters.
All are feeling the heat but instead of worrying about what others say, Boon Heong wants the players, especially from the doubles department, to look out for one another and show respect to each other.
It’s unsure what had happened but it’s learnt that mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are struggling to manage their disappointment of losing early in the All-England, as the world No. 3 pair really wanted to do well.
“The last thing the players should do is to take it (disappointment) out on one another. Don’t blame each other,” said Boon Heong in his social media posting.
Boon Heong, who was the last men’s doubles All-England champion with Koo Kien Keat in 2007, said the best way for top pairs to move on was to stay positive and believe in each other’s ability.
“No partner can be perfect. Everyone has weaknesses. You have to respect your partner,” he said. “Cherish your partner who has been through the storm with you. Not everyone is lucky to have a chance to be the top mixed pair in the country.
Except for Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and professionals Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (mixed doubles), others, including men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin failed to clear the early rounds.
Most of them will resume their campaign in the Swiss Open starting today in Basel.
“I’ve gone through similar strain with my partner (Kien Keat). It’s hard to expect both to play exceptionally good every time. Sometimes, one may play bad,” he said.
“I’ve my regrets during my playing time, but I can’t change anything now.
“Even Olympic champions have their problems and bad days. In mixed doubles especially, players stay separately, each have their own ideas and their circle of friends are also different.
“Encourage each other and accept each other. The fight takes place when you can’t accept the partner’s mistake. It’s normal for everyone to think they are good. Let’s play with positive energy.”
If players can take Boon Heong’s advice to heart, expect them to smash their way to better results and stay solid despite ups and downs.
