KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Tan Boon Heong believes Malaysian shuttlers need a little more tactical edge to go all the way in major tournaments.
Boon Heong and his former partner Koo Kien Keat remain the last Malaysian doubles pair to clinch the coveted All England crown 17 years ago.
Since then, Chong Wei won the men's singles title four times before his retirement in 2019, while current world No. 10 Lee Zii Jia lifted his maiden trophy in 2021.
However, at the recent French Open in Paris, no Malaysian shuttlers made it past the quarter-finals.
Former men's doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were the last Malaysians standing in the last eight, eventually losing 21-19, 21-16 to South Korea's world No. 2 Kang Min Hyuk-Seo Seung Jae.
Boon Heong, who also won the 2006 Asian Games gold with Kien Keat, does not believe Malaysian badminton is at its worst.
"Overall, I believe the game has gotten very competitive, and the level between most players is very close today.
"However, I think the main thing lacking among our national players is the slight tactical edge to go all the way.
"Our players have the talent, speed, and skill, yet we falter at the crucial stage.
"If we can rectify this, I believe we can also win titles at major tournaments," said Boon Heong.
When asked if players like him, Kien Keat, and Chong Wei had set the bar too high for the current crop of players, Boon Heong laughed it off, saying: "You must have targets to aim at; that's your motivation.
"You must have the fire and desire to want to break records, not be pressured by them.
"I don't think that is a problem at all."
Meanwhile, those interested in catching Boon Heong-Kien Keat can do so on March 24 at the Aik Cheong Badminton Championships 2024 in Kepong.
The former world No. 1 pair will square off against the winners of the tournament as well as play in seven-point exhibition matches with lucky fans, who will be picked by Boon Heong.
The tournament and the exhibition matches will take place at Ace Sports World Kepong.
