Victory a big boost for Kien Keat-Boon Heong

ormer world No. 1s Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong finally ended a 16-month title drought in Open tournaments when they captured the YONEX SUNRISE Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold on Sunday and declared the win will give their fragile confidence a big boost.

Having failed to live up to expectations since winning the 2010 PROTON Malaysia Open Superseries last January, Kien Keat-Boon Heong has come in from much criticism.

However, the duo have never let it get them down and are finally glad to have returned to the winners’ circle with a 21-16, 21-7 victory over Indonesia’s Alvent Yulianto Chandra-Hendra Aprida Gunawan. 

“Although the victory was easier than expected (following an injury to Alvent), we are still satisfied with the win,” said a relieved Kien Keat.

“We will take a day’s rest before continuing with our training. Our next event is the Sudirman Cup at the end of the month and I will try my best to help the country get to the final.”

The Commonwealth Games gold took home the winners’ cheque for US$9,480 while the Indonesians had to be satisfied with US$4,560.

In a close first game, the Malaysians, with the winds at their back, played a smart tactical game to move the Indonesians all over the court before moving in for the kill.

The ploy worked to perfection as they carved out a 21-16 victory. In the second game, The Malaysians were more aggressive but didn’t have to work too hard after Alvent picked up his injury.