BAM alarmed by V Shem-Wee Kiong's recent form, drop in ranking - Norza

Rio de Janeiro Olympics men's doubles silver medallist Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong must be cautious of their drop in ranking so that they would not miss out on a spot for the World Championships in Scotland.

According to the latest ranking list released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on April 6, V Shem-Wee Kiong who were ranked second in the world have dropped to fourth after poor results at the All England and India Open last month.

To add insult to their injured pride, the duo were ousted in the first round by an unknown Hong Kong pair, Tang Chun Man/Or Chin Chung 17-21, 21-23 in straight sets at the Malaysia Open hosted by Sarawak last week.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said V Shem-Wee Kiong must ensure that they maintain their position among the top five to earn a spot for the World Championships.

"We (BAM) are very disappointed with the inconsistency of V Shem-Wee Kiong. They must focus on their task to remain competitive in the Super Series and start winning.

"We do not want their ranking to drop further since it might jeopardize their chances for the World Championships," he told Bernama when contacted here today adding that both must pull up their socks at the Singapore Open which started today.

Only the top eight ranked pairs qualify for the World Championships in Scotland come August.

The duo's recent performance had also drawn the attention of Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who wants the pair to remain focused. -- Bernama