FOR one pair, it is a matter of pride. For the other, it is about winning their first elusive title together.
So expect a keen contest when Malaysia’s Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Indonesians Alven Yulianto-Hendra Gunawan cross swords in the men’s doubles final in the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold.
Yesterday, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were unexpectedly tested to the limit by Holland’s Ruud Bosch-Koen Ridder before they prevailed with a 21-17, 18-21, 21-10 win in 50 minutes. The Dutch pair, ranked 32nd in the world, gave the Malaysians a rude shock as they traded blow for blow to level at 17-17 before Kien Keat-Boon Heong escaped with the opener.
The home crowd grew uneasy when the Malaysians failed to finish off the game after their poor control at the mid court saw the shuttle hitting the net just too many times.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, however, restored order in the rubber game to reach their first final of the year.
Their win yesterday assured hosts Malaysia of three finalists on the closing day after world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying had earlier won their men’s singles and mixed doubles semi-final matches respectively.
Kien Keat admitted that he played poorly but said that he was affected by a back strain.
“Of course, we are not satisfied with our game today. The Dutch pair are not pushovers and they have had their good days,” lamented Kien Keat.
“My movement was hampered by a back sore, which I picked up early this morning. I should be better after a good massage today.
“Boon Heong and I hope to give a better performance tomorrow. The Indonesians have done well here but we will be better prepared. We too want to win this title.”
Alven-Hendra, who have not won any title together since they broke away from the All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) two years ago, are hoping to break the duck.
Yesterday, the duo put up a spirited display to fend off an equally determined Cho Gun-woo-Kwon Yi-goo of South Korea for a 21-16, 19-21, 21-18 win in 62 minutes.
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