Tan Boo Heong, the last Malaysian player to win a men’s doubles final at the All England Open Badminton Championships is eager end his title drought after 18 years.
Boon Heong, 37, who lifted the title with Koo Kien Keat in 2007, is hopeful that one of Malaysia’s six pair squad is likely to win the Super 1000 event.
The Malaysian doubles pair include World No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsan. Boo Heong believes world No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and World No. 11 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are capable of a strong finish.
“The men’s doubles competition is highly competitive, and any pair can win,” said Boon Heong at a Li-Ning event in Petaling Jaya on Friday.
“With six Malaysian pairs in the draw, our chances are definitely higher. Kien Keat and I won in 2007, and it has been far too long since Malaysia last held this title. I really hope one of them can bring it back.”
Sze Fei-Izzuddin are on the forefront of the All England Open Badminton Championships but Boo Heong is optimistic about other men’s doubles pair too.
“Everyone is backing Sze Fei-Izzuddin, but who knows? Wei Chong-Kai Wun or Aaron-Wooi Yik could pull off a surprise. A good draw would certainly help,” he added.
He also stressed the significance of winning the All England.
“In badminton, there are several titles every player dreams of winning — the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Thomas Cup and All England,” he said.
“Winning the All England was a huge honour for me. I hope one of them gets to experience that joy too.”
The Malaysian roster includes Wan Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub.
Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri had withdrawn from the tournament due to Haikal’s injury.