Malaysia's top-ranked badminton star Tan Wee Kiong said his stint in India's Premier Badminton League is providing him with new ways to understand doubles partner Goh V Shem's game.
Wee Kiong, who is playing for Hyderabad Hunters in the second edition of the cash-rich badminton league, has partnered with compatriot Tan Boon Heong. V Shem, on the other hand, has been plying his trade for table-toppers Awadhe Warriors and has partnered with Indonesian veteran Markis Kido.
Notably, the Rio Olympic silver medallists came head-to-head during the tie between Awadhe and Hyderabad on 2 January and it was V Shem and Kido, who came back from behind to beat Wee Kiong and Boon Heong 7-11, 11-8, 13-11.
However, Wee Kiong has started the year on a good note with three wins out of four matches in the ongoing league with his only defeat coming against Lee Yong Dae/Nipithphon Phuangphuapet of Mumbai Rockets on 4 January.
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The world number one will begin his 2017 campaign at Malaysian Masters (starting 17 January) along with V Shem. Heading into the new season on the back of winning the BWF World Superseries Finals in 2016, he believes V Shem and himself are ready for new challenges in the upcoming season.
"V Shem and I have played against each other before. This is not the first time playing against him. It is normal for me. But it is a new way to understand each other's game more. The league (PBL) is quite exciting and interesting for me. This is an all new format and has a new scoring system," Wee Kiong told IBTimes Singapore on Saturday.
"My main focus is to play for Hyderabad Hunters. After I finish the tournament, I will think about the upcoming competitions. I hope to continue my good run, I know it is not so easy. I know it is going to be difficult. But we will maintain our positive attitude."
Thoughts on new 11-point scoring system
The Malaysian star says there are both negatives and positives with the new 11-point scoring system, that has been adapted by PBL this season. Notably, Badminton World Federation is mulling to implement the 11 X 5 scoring system and the format is being tested in various tournaments across the globe and world number one Lee Chong Wei had also spoken in favour of it.
"For me, I have to play more and test it more to analyse whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. The advantage of having the system is that the game becomes faster but the disadvantage is also that the game becomes too fast. It is a 50-50 thing. People will also not find it interesting if it goes too fast, especially the doubles games," Wee Kiong added.
