PARTNERSHIP WITH EE WEI A CONFIDENCE BOOST FOR BING KUN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Shuttler Loo Bing Kun believes that his mixed doubles partnership with Toh Ee Wei will boost his confidence when competing in international tournaments.

The 21-year-old Bing Kun said he would make good use of the opportunity to partner Ee Wei and learn as much as he can from her since she has vast experience on the international stage.

"When I was with my previous partner, I had to guide her. But now with Ee Wei, she is more senior and has more experience, so I am more confident about the upcoming tournaments.

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"I will combine with Ee Wei for four or five tournaments to assess our compatibility. So, this short period is a chance for me to learn as much as I can from Ee Wei. Hopefully, I can move up to the next level,” he said after a training session at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) here today.

The Penangite, however, admitted that he still had a lot to learn and improve on if he is to make his partnership with Ee Wei work.

He was also quick to admit that he would be under intense pressure when paired up with Ee Wei, who is ranked fourth in the world, as expectations will be higher from the coaches.

"But I have discussed with the coaches and Ee Wei about this pressure and they will help me to overcome it,” he said.

On Friday (March 28), the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed that the Chen Tang Jie-Ee Wei partnership would be split for upcoming tournaments based on the recommendation of the coaching panel, including doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky and mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto.

The time-out between Tang Jie and Ee Wei is due to tensions between them and to give them space to resolve whatever issues that have cropped up between them.

Rexy later announced that Tang Jie would combine with Chan Wen Tse in mixed doubles and with Wong Vin Sean in men's doubles.

Meanwhile, Ee Wei will partner Bing Kun in five tournaments starting in May.

 -- BERNAMA