KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing are optimistic of making the cut for the Asian Games in Indonesia this August.
Apart from the national No 2, the other pairs fighting for a spot are 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalists Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.
The BA of Malaysia (BAM) can only name two pairs for the Games.
For Kian Meng, the healthy competition among teammates is necessary, as only the best will be selected.
"I feel the doors are still open, despite the recent slump that Pei Jing and I had to endure, which saw us being dropped for the recent New Zealand and Australian Opens. I accepted the decision, because it allowed us to pause for a moment, to reflect and focus on coming back stronger.
"Whatever it is, this rivalry among teammates is necessary. It helps promote healthy competition, pushing us to do our best. Hopefully Pei Jing and I can shine at the upcoming Malaysia Open (June 26-July 1)," said Kian Meng, when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara today (Tuesday).
Based on world rankings, Soon Huat-Shevon are No 7, followed by Kian Meng-Pei Jing (No 11) and Peng Soon-Liu Ying (No 26).
Peng Soon-Liu Ying, however, have been the most consistent pair among the three, especially at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.
