Latest news with #KokSiang
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Kok Siang sets more realistic targets for Goh-Izzuddin, Goh-Shevon
PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie have been set a realistic target at the Japan Open - to at least reach the quarter-finals. Professional doubles coach Teo Kok Siang believes the goal is appropriate for now, especially with Sze Fei-Izzuddin returning as the defending champions. All eyes will be on the top seeds, who not only bear the weight of expectations but also need to avoid an early exit to protect their position at the top of the world rankings. 'This is a Super 750-level tournament, there's no such thing as an easy or difficult draw. What I can say is we'll keep fighting, and their preparations have gone well. Based on the draw, I believe we have a good chance,' said Kok Siang when contacted. 'What's important is that they have the hunger. They won this event last year, and I hope they can retain the title. 'Of course, everyone wants to be champion, but more importantly, I want them to enjoy their matches. For now, getting past the quarter-finals is the focus, we'll take it step by step.'' The same expectations have been placed on Soon Huat-Shevon. Kok Siang confirmed that Soon Huat is now fully fit and ready for the Japan Open before heading to Changzhou for the China Open next week. Soon Huat had been struggling with a series of injuries to his hips and legs which had affected his performances in recent tournaments. 'I hope Soon Huat and Shevon can be more consistent with their gameplay. Soon Huat is fully recovered and has no major issues. I just hope his past injuries don't return,' added Kok Siang. Sze Fei-Izzuddin got off to a strong start, brushing aside Canada's Kevin Lee-Ty Alexander Lindeman 21-13, 21-15 in just 23 minutes in their opening-round match yesterday. They will meet the winners of the tie between Japan's Hiroki Midorikawa-Kyohei Yamashita and Taiwan's Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Wang Chi-lin in the second round tomorrow. Also progressing were Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, who fought back from a game down to edge French siblings Christo and Toma Junior Popov 13-21, 21-17, 21-19. However, it was a short-lived debut for young women's pair Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting, who fell 21-17, 8-21, 8-21 to Japan's Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi in the first round. Soon Huat-Shevon are set to open their campaign today against Thailand's Ruttanapak Oupthong-Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat.
The Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
It's harder to stay at summit but world No. 1 Goh-Izzuddin can if they learn to enjoy
Words of wisdom: Coach Teo Kok Siang giving pointers to Goh Sze Fei as Nur Izzuddin Rumsani listens to Ameer Amri Zainuddin. PETALING JAYA: The goal of becoming world No.1 in badminton is something every player aspires, but a few achieve it. And that's why coach Teo Kok Siang wants Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to enjoy it while it lasts. Kok Siang knows it would not be easy to reign at the top as they become the target of the rest of the pack. Sze Fei-Izzuddin have been holding on to the top spot for three consecutive weeks. In fact, they have maintained at the top three spot in the world for six months since jumping to the No. 3 in December last year. The progression of Sze Fei-Izzuddin to the top has been quite surreal really, considering they had gone separate ways briefly in 2023 and only started showing their true colours as world beaters in the middle of 2024. And through sheer diligence and hard work, they have made it to the top under a local coach and as professionals. En route to the No. 1 spot in the world, they had captured titles at the Japan Open, China Open, Arctic Open (2024) and Indian Open this year. They also emerged as the runners-up at the 2024 World Tour Finals. Kok Siang is proud of the boys but he knows it's harder to stay at the top. 'I just want to congratulate the boys for reaching the No. 1 spot in the world and staying there for now. I do hope they can stay focused and continue to enjoy in every game,' said Kok Siang. 'The rise to the top should serve as a good motivation and they should not treat it as a pressure. 'I do wish they can maintain it for long time and consistently produce the results, but I'm sure they will try it. 'Sze Fei-Izzuddin knows, no matter what (whether up or down), they have my team and I to support them all the way,' said Kok Siang. Being the defending champions, all eyes will be on Sze Fei-Izzuddin at the Japan Open from July 15-20 in Tokyo and the China Open from July 22-27 in Changzhou. Said Kok Siang: 'The challenge will be tougher in these two tournaments for sure but our players will be ready for it.' It has not been that rosy for Sze Fei-Izzuddin in the last few tournaments after losing in the quarter-finals in their last four stints at the Indonesian Open, Singapore Open, Malaysian Masters and Asian Badminton Championships. On their status in the Road to Gold, Kok Siang said a decision had not been reached. 'The players had been busy with tournaments but with a short break now, we will be able to sit down and discuss,' he said. 'It will be good to get the help but it's all up to the players,' added Kok Siang.
