Former champion Koo Kien Keat says Malaysian pairs face a tough road to win the Malaysia Open 2026 title, citing the consistency of world number one Koreans
FORMER champion Koo Kien Keat believes local men’s doubles pairs face a formidable challenge at the Malaysia Open 2026.
The three-time winner said the consistency of world number one South Korean duo Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae makes them the favourites.
“To be honest, if you ask me, I think the Korean pair (Won Ho-Seung Jae) are very consistent and I am quite sure they will be champions or at least reach the final,” Kien Keat said during a court-testing session at Axiata Arena.
He acknowledged Malaysian pairs have a chance to reach the final.
Winning the title on home soil, however, will be a far more difficult task.
The last local men’s doubles victory was by Goh V Shem and Lim Khim Wah in 2014.
Kien Keat first won the title with Chan Chong Ming in 2006.
He then secured two more titles with Tan Boon Heong in 2007 and 2010.
The Seung Jae-Won Ho partnership enjoyed a successful 2025 season.
Their achievements include winning the World Championships and the World Tour Finals.
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Kien Keat said he will assist independent pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
He clarified his role is not as their official coach.
His aim is to help the world number seven pair regain confidence after a dip in form.
Their only title last year was at the India Open 2025.
The Malaysia Open 2026 begins tomorrow and runs until January 11.
