Petaling Jaya
Independent doubles shuttler Tan Boon Heong was elated after learning that he and partner Hendra Setiawan had made the cut for the World Championships in Nanjing, China from July 30-Aug 5.
But their joy was short-lived.
Boon Heong-Hendra, who were placed fourth in the reserve list, have been invited by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to fill the berths which became vacant after several qualifiers declined participation.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have given the greenlight for Boon Heong’s participation but the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) have rejected the invitation on Hendra’s behalf.
BAM secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai said BWF have reverted to him on PBSI’s decision.
“I spoke to Boon Heong today (yesterday) and he was absolutely eager to play. Unfortunately, Hendra did not get the clearance from PBSI,” said Chin Chai.
“As the pair is made up of players of two different nationalities, the invitation must be accepted by both associations.
“But PBSI’s decision is understandable. Had Hendra taken up the spot, then it would deny Indonesia from having a maximum four combinations at the world meet and their next highest-ranked combination is Angga Pratama and Ricky Karandasuwardi.”
The other three Indonesian pairs are world No.1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Berry Angriawan-Hardianto Hardianto.
Boon Heong, when contacted, was clearly dejected after being denied of his seventh world meet appearance.
Previously with Koo Kien Keat, they were the runners-up in Paris in 2010 and bronze medallists in Hyderabad in 2009.
Hendra, on the other hand, is a three-time world champion, twice with Mohamad Ahsan (2013 Guangzhou and 2015 Jakarta) and also won in Kuala Lumpur in 2007 with Markis Kido. He and Markis also claimed the gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I’m really disappointed. How could PBSI do this to us?” said Boon Heong, who is also the 2006 Doha Asian Games and 2007 All- England champions.
“Hendra wanted to play badly too.
“In fact, the World Championships was the reason why we (Hendra and him) teamed up together last year. So, now we have qualified, but we don’t get to go. That’s just unfair!”
Boon Heong and Hendra have parted ways at the end of last season.
They made the final of the Australian Open for their best result and reached No. 20 in the world ranking.
Boon Heong formed a new partnership with South Korean Yoo Yeon-seong while Hendra has returned to the national team set-up early this year to reunite with Ahsan.
