Fairuzizuan Tazari (left) and Zakry Latif, according to Rexy Mainaky, have the desire and heart for glory. |
IT is still not decided if veteran pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah or Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari will join Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong on the flight to Beijing for the Olympics.
National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky confirmed yesterday that World No 5 Kien Keat-Boon Heong have impressed him enough to play in the Olympics.
“Kien Keat-Boon Heong are not back at their best but they are making progress. They are now focused and mentally prepared for the Olympics but their hearts are still not on winning the gold medal,” said Rexy at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
“However, a little fine-tuning could do the job for them. I will be able to do it when they compete innext month’s Singapore Open and Indonesia Open.
“Believe me, if they are back to their best, they will win the Olympic gold medal.”
Although the three Malaysian pairs have qualified for the Beijing Games on merit, Olympic regulations state only two can compete in the event.
However, Rexy was less impressed with Tan Fook and Wan Wah.
“I’m still in doubt whether they are mentally prepared for the Olympics. I’m sceptical after what had happened to them in the recent Thomas Cup.” he said.
Rexy is especially unhappy with Tan Fook for falling sick at the eleventh hour before the semi-final clash against China.
“If I was Tan Fook, I would have still played. I don’t know now whether they put themselves first before the country. If that is so, then there’s a big problem.
” He also wrote off Tan Fook-Wan Wah’s chances of winning Olympic gold. On Zakry-Fairuzizuan, the coach said the pair have the desire and heart for glory.
“The fire within them will be a plus in the Olympics, however, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching committee may opt for the two senior pairs.
“I have two pairs in my mind now but the final decision will be made by the coaching committee.”
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