KUALA LUMPUR – World champion Loh Kean Yew is looking to come out the gates strong at the 2022 Malaysian Open, which will start at the Axiata Arena tomorrow.
Kean Yew will take on Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, and if he wins, will most likely face world number one Viktor Axelsen in the second round if the Dane beats Japan’s Kanta Tsuneyama.
“He (Cheuk Yiu) is my good friend, but on the court, we are opponents so I will put the friendship aside and give it my best.
“I am not looking at the second round just yet. For now, I need to focus on the first match and take it one step at a time,” he told the media at the test court session today.
When asked about the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Kean Yew said the main focus will be consistency and showcasing their maximum effort.
“I am not sure what the medal target is, but to me, that is secondary. Most important is how we perform and try to be consistent. The results will follow.
“As athletes, we do not go out to lose. We will give it our best and support each other as a country,” he said.
Comparing himself to Axelsen and Malaysia’s top player Lee Zii Jia, Kean Yew said he still has areas to improve.
“I do think they are the strongest on court right now, and I cannot say that I am the best. I have things I need to improve.
“You can only know when you are in top form when it happens. It is hard to say before a tournament. It’s crucial to just keep doing the best.”
The Penang-born added that he will be sitting out the Malaysian Masters next week to prepare for the Singapore Open taking place from July 12 to 17. – The Vibes, June 27, 2022
