FIGHTING CHANCE FOR TOKYO
World No 50 pair bag Laos title, eye Worlds and Olympics qualification
THEY are not household names on the international circuit, but Chooi Kah Ming-Low Juan Shen would like to believe they stand a fighting chance of making the cut for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
This comes after the independent men’s doubles pair bagged their first title of the season at the Laos International Series on Sunday, following their 18-21, 21-18, 21-14 win over national duo, Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong.
If that’s not good enough, the former BA of Malaysia (BAM) pair recently signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Ampang Jaya Badminton Club and Dunlop.
“We never expected this when we left BAM. We are indeed lucky to have secured sponsorship deals within a short period of time,” said Kah Ming, who turned 25 yesterday.
“Our results have been satisfactory so far this season, so we look forward to more success,” added Kah Ming.
Meanwhile, Juan Shen said it is still anybody’s game for the Olympic qualifying spots, and there is no reason why Kah Ming and he should miss out on the opportunity.
“Our main target is to improve on our ranking and also try to qualify for the World Championships (Basel) this year.
“But the one-year Olympic qualifying period also starts in May, so why not?
“We will definitely do our best to qualify for major tournaments,” added Juan Shen.
The World No 50, who quit the national team last August, will compete in the Lingshui China Masters (BWF Tour Super 100) on Mar 12-17.