'Snubbed' Kien Keat now has a chance to prove himself [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Former national doubles ace Koo Kien Keat admits there was a moment last year when he wondered whether his experience was truly neglected.

The former world No. 1 was sounded out about a possible coaching role with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), but the position on the table was largely supervisory — more about planning and oversight than being on court.

For someone whose strength lies in demonstrating, not just explaining, it felt like the wrong fit.

"I'm more of a practical coach. I like to show — not just talk," said the three-time Malaysia Open champion.

"If the role is only to oversee, I don't think players can really benefit."

There was no bitterness in his voice, only the quiet suggestion that the opportunity to share his expertise had come and gone.

So this week, Kien Keat is giving back in his own way.

He has volunteered to guide world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani during the Malaysia Open — a short, informal stint aimed simply at rebuilding their confidence.

"I'm just here to help Sze Fei and Izzuddin, voluntarily," he said.

"I'm not being paid. I just hope I can help them regain their confidence through this tournament."

Sze Fei–Izzuddin endured an uneven 2025 despite briefly rising to world No. 1, though they ended the year brighter with semi-final runs at the Kumamoto Masters and Australian Open.

Kien Keat believes the pair still possess strong fundamentals — but need reassurance to unlock them.

"When you've been with the same coach for a long time, most ideas have already been shared," he said.

"Sometimes players just need a different perspective. I only give knowledge they may not have heard yet — that's all."

He believes the key for Sze Fei–Izzuddin lies not in reinventing their game, but in rediscovering belief.

"Every pair has weaknesses — and of course, strengths as well," he said.

"What I keep telling them is this: know your strengths and use them. If you don't use your advantages, they become useless.

"When confidence drops, players start thinking they're not good enough. My job here is just to help rebuild that mindset — to remind them what they already have."

Kien Keat, who lifted the Malaysia Open title in 2006 with Chan Chong Ming and again in 2007 and 2010 alongside Tan Boon Heong, still feels he has plenty to offer — particularly in doubles.

He emphasised that modern coaching must go beyond drills and programmes.

"Drills, players can watch on YouTube," he said.

"But correcting skills, sparring, showing details — that's the part money can't buy."

Even so, he remains realistic about his situation. A full-time role would demand commitment he cannot yet give.

"I don't want to take a job if I can't fully commit," he said.

"If one day the role suits, maybe I'll think about it. But for now, I help when I can."

Assessing Malaysia's prospects this week, Kien Keat was measured.

"The men's doubles field is very tough," he said.

"Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae look very consistent — they can reach the final or even win it.

"Our pairs have chances to make the final too. But to win it… I'm not fully convinced."