Two-time Malaysia Open champ Koo Kien Kiat is on cloud nine this week – not only is he on duty with Astro Arena as an analyst this week, he also treated a world number one to some durians.
While on duty with Astro Arena host Ahmed Shahrazad Sani, Koo got a call from national mixed doubles shuttler Chen Tang Jie who gave him a pleasant surprise.
“I’m really happy this week. Tang Jie calls me and says ‘Hey big brother, a Chinese player wants to have dinner with you this week’. I asked him who, and he says it is Weikeng. Tang Jie told me that I am his idol!
“Can you imagine that a world number one is calling me his idol? I did not know him in person or seen him live in action. It was an honour. So I took him out for some durians and fish. He is a funny guy!,” Koo told Stadium Astro.
Koo and Liang went out on Tuesday, after the Chinese shuttler and his partner Wang Chang beat national pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the first round.
Liang-Wang had a day off the next day.
Koo was relating that much cherished outing in reference to the performance of the Malaysian men’s doubles this week.
“To have Liang refer to me as an idol is something I can be proud of. The current generation shuttlers maybe look up to me because of my playing style.
“When I was playing in Malaysia and if someone wanted to beat me on my home turf, I will make it as difficult for you on court. And you will remember that. I came with a mindset that I am here to play my best and not for anyone else,” he said.
Just like Liang, Koo hogged the top of the world rankings with Tan Boon Heong back in 2007.
The 38-year-old won his first Malaysia Open title that year with Tan after beating Tony Gunawan-Chandra Wijaya.
Three years later, Koo-Tan bagged their second title after a hard fought victory over Chinese pair Guo Zhendong-Xu Chen.
Koo, who currently works in a public listed events company, chose not to offer any advice to the current men’s doubles crop.
“The only person who can help them is themselves. No external advice would be able to change them overnight, it has to come from within. If they have no confidence, talk to the coach. Practice more.
“They have to accept the loss and admit the wrong. A humility mindset is also so important to recognize and accept their mistakes.”
Four Malaysian men’s doubles pairs competed at the Malaysia Open this week, yet none could make it past the quarter-finals.
Besides Man-Tee's first round exit, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin lost in the second round while Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik crashed out in the last eight.
While on duty with Astro Arena host Ahmed Shahrazad Sani, Koo got a call from national mixed doubles shuttler Chen Tang Jie who gave him a pleasant surprise.
“I’m really happy this week. Tang Jie calls me and says ‘Hey big brother, a Chinese player wants to have dinner with you this week’. I asked him who, and he says it is Weikeng. Tang Jie told me that I am his idol!
“Can you imagine that a world number one is calling me his idol? I did not know him in person or seen him live in action. It was an honour. So I took him out for some durians and fish. He is a funny guy!,” Koo told Stadium Astro.
Koo and Liang went out on Tuesday, after the Chinese shuttler and his partner Wang Chang beat national pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the first round.
Liang-Wang had a day off the next day.
Koo was relating that much cherished outing in reference to the performance of the Malaysian men’s doubles this week.
“To have Liang refer to me as an idol is something I can be proud of. The current generation shuttlers maybe look up to me because of my playing style.
“When I was playing in Malaysia and if someone wanted to beat me on my home turf, I will make it as difficult for you on court. And you will remember that. I came with a mindset that I am here to play my best and not for anyone else,” he said.
Just like Liang, Koo hogged the top of the world rankings with Tan Boon Heong back in 2007.
The 38-year-old won his first Malaysia Open title that year with Tan after beating Tony Gunawan-Chandra Wijaya.
Three years later, Koo-Tan bagged their second title after a hard fought victory over Chinese pair Guo Zhendong-Xu Chen.
Koo, who currently works in a public listed events company, chose not to offer any advice to the current men’s doubles crop.
“The only person who can help them is themselves. No external advice would be able to change them overnight, it has to come from within. If they have no confidence, talk to the coach. Practice more.
“They have to accept the loss and admit the wrong. A humility mindset is also so important to recognize and accept their mistakes.”
Four Malaysian men’s doubles pairs competed at the Malaysia Open this week, yet none could make it past the quarter-finals.
Besides Man-Tee's first round exit, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin lost in the second round while Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik crashed out in the last eight.
