V Shem-Wee Kiong set to focus on Japan Open

National doubles pair, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong will not rest on their laurels after winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Instead, the duo, ranked ninth in the world, are set to focus on their next challenge, the Japan Open.

Wee Kiong admitted they are under the 'spotlight' following their Olympics success but it did not put pressure on them but rather had a positive impact to be more consistent and persistent in training.

"We felt more confident and very positive, but that was during the Olympic Games. All that is past, and we must focus on the Japan Open," he said.

The pair won a silver medal in the Olympic Games after an outstanding run, only succumbing to Chinese duo Fu Haifenf/Zhang Nan in the final.

Meanwhile, Wee Kiong said the retirment of several major doubles pairs would not make it easy to break into and remain in the world's top five.

The absence of the world's best doubles pair (in the tournament) will still provide stiff competition.

"It is a loss that the top doubles pair will not be in action but there are many more doubles pairs that are strong and competitive. We need to take care of our own preparations," he said.

There have been rumours that the world's number one double's pair, Lee Yong Dae-Yoo Yeon Seong of South Korea are planning to retire after the Korea Open Championships in September.

V Shem-Wee Kiong are set to face world number 26 pair, Bodin Isara-Nipitphon Phuangphuapet of Thailand in the first round of the Japan Open on Tuesday. -- Bernama