Kok Keong challenges shuttlers to reclaim Chong Wei's former fortress [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: There was a time when the Malaysia Open men's singles crown almost felt destined to stay at home.

Local heroes fought each other for it, and Malaysian pride pulsed through every rally.

For Datuk Foo Kok Keong, those memories remain vivid.

The former national star was runner-up in 1990 and 1991, losing both all-Malaysian finals to Datuk Rashid Sidek.

Back then, Malaysia's singles depth was unquestionable.

Since the start of the tournament's Open era in 1983, the country produced winners such as Misbun Sidek (1985), Rashid (1990–1992), Ong Ewe Hock (1996, 2001), James Chua (2002), and — most famously — Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, whose record-breaking 12 titles between 2004 and 2018 turned the tournament into his personal fortress.

But the landscape has shifted dramatically.

Since Chong Wei's last triumph in 2018, Malaysia have not only failed to win the men's singles title.

No home player has even reached the quarter-finals — a drought that stings ahead of next week's season-opening Malaysia Open at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

Kok Keong, who's a member of the 1992 Thomas Cup winning squad, admits the contrast is hard to ignore.

"I hope our players can do well. Our doubles — men's and women's — are still doing quite well. It's mainly singles that needs to catch up," said Kok Keong.

"We have two men's singles playing here, and since this is our home ground, I really hope they give their best and never give up."

With Paris Olympic bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia returning from a long layoff and Leong Jun Hao still searching for consistency after a challenging 2025, expectations are understandably tempered.

Yet Kok Keong believes the Malaysia Open environment should still ignite something deeper.

"Home ground helps, but confidence comes from yourself," he said.

"The coach can guide you, but discipline and effort must come from the player," he stressed.

The 61-year-old noted that modern badminton is far more competitive, with more nations capable of producing world-class singles players.

"Many countries have players coming up. You must analyse opponents, stay tough, and never give up," he said.

Kok Keong hopes the broader ecosystem — from BA of Malaysia management to coaching to individual commitment — aligns to restore the country's traditional singles strength.

"For singles, I just hope to see players rise again," he added.

"It's not easy to build a good singles player. Physically and mentally, everything must be strong."

With the sport continuing to evolve, Kok Keong is also watching closely as the Badminton World Federation prepares to revisit the proposal to reintroduce a 15-point scoring format (without service over) at its Annual General Meeting in May.

He believes such a change — if approved — could shape the way the next generation learns to compete.

"Fifteen points, without a service over, may sound shorter, but it's tougher mentally," he said.

"Every rally counts. There's less room for mistakes, so concentration and discipline must be even higher."