Seu Bock returns to rescue underperforming national men's singles

KUALA LUMPUR: Former national coach Tey Seu Bock is set to return to the men's singles department as part of a structural shake-up under coaching director Kenneth Jonassen.

Seu Bock, currently the junior singles chief, is expected to be promoted to the senior ranks following his experience guiding Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.

Jonassen hinted at sweeping changes to strengthen the department, including the return of Yeoh Kay Bin to the BA of Malaysia (BAM).

Kay Bin, who currently coaches Lee Zii Jia, will rejoin BAM to take over Seu Bock's role as national junior singles head.

He is expected to start next month after guiding Zii Jia at the Malaysia Open, which begins on Tuesday.

The new strategy is a move to help the singles shuttlers attain better results following an under-par 2025 season.

Seu Bock has already been assisting the national shuttlers after Jonassen implemented joint training sessions between the senior and junior squads several months ago.

Jonassen said additional coaches would be recruited soon to further bolster the lineup.

"Overall for 2026, there will be some structural changes to the singles department and I have additional staff coming in quite soon, which will strengthen our lineup," said Jonassen.

"We are strengthening the setup and we'll do a few tweaks. It's about getting the right coaches who are available at the right time. When I'm ready, I will share it all with you, but I will announce it internally first so my current coaches understand the changes."

Jonassen added that he wants to maintain a "one team" philosophy where coaches can move between departments as required.

"Across the women's and men's singles, across the junior and senior side, it's the only way I believe we can develop a clear pathway for our players from the early junior ranks to world-class potentials," he added.

With only world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao competing in the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena, Jonassen will spend the next two weeks conducting assessments and talent identification for the senior shuttlers.