The Malaysian Star was informed on the weekend that Malaysian Doubles stars Koo and Tan are slowing down their Super Series schedule in preparation for the coming year.

“Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong took part in a total of 14 international tournaments last year while Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif could have matched their team-mates if not for injuries.

However, it will be the other way round for the elite doubles pairs as their participation, especially in the Super Series events, will be scaled down in view of the major tournaments in store for them this year. [..]

The Vietnamese Bridge, a local media company, has reported that Vietnam’s top male badminton player Nguyen Tien Minh will take on his first international challenge of the new year at the VICTOR Korea Open Super Series from January 12-17.

“Sixth-seeded Minh will be playing against major players such as world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia at the competition in Seoul, which offers a total US$300,000 cash prize. [..]