Khim Wah happy with IBL experience

KUALA LUMPUR: National doubles shuttler Lim Khim Wah has gained a lot of experience from competing in the recent Indian Badminton League (IBL).

And the diminutive Khim Wah, who was the most successful Malaysian in the IBL, has now set his eyes on winning at least one Super Series title by the end of this year with his partner Goh V Shem.

Khim Wah-V Shem were the members of IBL champions Hyderabad Hotshots, who pocketed US$494,000 (RM1.6mil) after beating Awadhe Warriors 3-1 in the final on Saturday.

Khim Wah was also named the player of the match, earning him an extra US$500 (RM1,500).

Khim Wah and V Shem, who defeated Markis Kido-Mathias Boe in the final, are expected to get nothing less than US$30,000 (RM98,500) per person.

“It was a unique and fruitful experience for me. It was nice to play in a team comprising players from different countries. We learnt from one another. I’ve never won the best player award before … so, that was a bonus,” said Khim Wah.

“Our team owner has yet to disclose the amount for winning the league title. There are 10 of us in the team and there are several coaches too. But it will surely be the biggest pay cheque for me.”

For Khim Wah, the good outing in India makes up for his disappointment in the World Championships in Guangzhou last month.

Just before the IBL, reigning Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold champions Khim Wah-V Shem suffered a rare defeat to compatriots Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong in the second round.

“It was unfortunate that we lost to our team-mates. It would have been worse if we had lost to others. Thien How and Wee Kiong know our game styles quite well and, on that day, they played better and deserved to win,” said Khim Wah.

“However, we (V Shem and I) bounced back at the IBL and we’re hoping to end the second half of the year on a good note. We have won a GP Gold title this year and now it’s time to raise the stakes higher and bag our first Super Series title.”

Unfortunately, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have withdrawn their names from two back-to-back Super Series tournaments – China Masters (Sept 10-15) and Japan Open (Sept 17-22).

Khim Wah-V Shem, who are the world No. 17, are hoping to be included in the squad for the remaining four Super Series in Denmark, France, Hong Kong and China so that they will not drop out of the top 20 in the world ranking.

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