Mixed doubles shuttler Tan Kian Meng admitted of a dire need to regain some confidence with partner Lai Pei Jing ahead of two big assignments at the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) and the Sudirman Cup.
Since they won the Korea Open last April to end a five-year title drought, the Malaysians’ form took a massive dip.
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After that, they could only muster a Commonwealth Games bronze medal and a World Tour Finals semis to show as their best results last year, while this year they did not progress beyond the second round in six events.
Despite that, the world number 13 were among the four mixed doubles pairs chosen for the Sudirman Cup next month.
“The Badminton Association of Malaysia have trusted us in their selection, and we must try and justify their decision by giving our best if fielded.
“The main thing we are lacking is consistency. We are desperate to improve in that area. Our level of confidence is not there as we do not have the desired results. We are hoping to get it at the next tournament,” said Tan.
It will not get any easier for the professional pair at the BAC (April 25-30) as they are up against Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin, who recently claimed the Swiss Open title after beating Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai in the final.
Tan-Lai will need a big performance at the Asian showdown to stand any chance of featuring at the Sudirman Cup.
If recent results are anything to go by, they are third in the pecking order behind recent Orleans Masters champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh-Lai, who are ranked eighth.
