Early promise.
Growing up in Ipoh, a city in the north east of Malaysia, he was just 17 when he emerged as a future badminton star when he clinched the Asian Junior title in 2002. With further wins at the 2003 Malaysian Satellite, the 2004 French Open International and 2004 Chinese Taipei Open, he was quickly becoming a star of the double’s scene, his bronze at the BWF World Championship in 2005 securing his place on the global stage.
Ascendence to greatness.
Alongside partner Chan Chong Ming, Koo was an established star by the mid-2000s, but it was only after he began playing alongside Tan Boon Heong that he reached new heights, The pair won gold as an unseeded pair at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, an immediate sign of their massive potential, and just a year later won gold in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In 2007, the duo made history by claiming the prestigious All-England Open title, a moment that confirmed their place among the sport’s elite as they ascended to the world number one spot.
Near misses.
However, their career also had its share of frustrations. Despite their prestige in the global circuit, an Olympic or World Championship title eluded them, and the shadow of these near-misses hung over their careers. But Koo’s legacy is far from defined by the absence of gold medals. His contributions to Malaysian badminton are immeasurable, from his technical mastery to his role in inspiring a new generation of players.
Time for Team England.
Today, Koo’s focus shifts to helping England’s Ben Lane and Sam Vendy prepare for the 2025 All-England Open. Alongside England’s doubles coach Nathan Robertson, Koo will help fine-tune the skills of Lane and Vendy, who are aiming for a breakout performance.
An established coach.
What makes Koo such an asset to the team is not only his winning experience but his coaching pedigree. He briefly took up coaching roles at Thailand's Granular Badminton Club in 2014, where he honed his skills in nurturing young talent. It’s this combination of playing and coaching experience that will be crucial for Lane and Vendy as they look to make waves on the global stage.
What to expect.
Koo’s playing style was defined by his quick reflexes, deceptive shots, and aggressive net play – traits that earned him acclaim as one of the best in his position. It’s likely that he will try to bring some of these key attributes to Team England. Expect Lane and Vendy to adopt more dynamic strategies, especially at the front of the court, where Koo was known for his quick footwork and sharp net play. The duo might also incorporate some of the high-speed flat exchanges and explosive smashes that defined Koo and Tan’s style.
Doubling up.
Koo’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Team England, following the arrival of Christinna Pedersen, the former Danish doubles icon, who joins as Performance Coach. With both Koo and Pedersen, the National Badminton Centre is shaping up to be a hotbed of tactical innovation and world-class coaching as England looks to take on the best at the All-England Open.
What kit he'll be using.
At the All-England, you can expect Koo to be fully kitted out in Yonex's latest gear. During drills, he'll be using the Astrox 88s Pro racket and wearing shoes from Yonex's Power Cushion range, either the 65Z4 or the Eclipsion Z3. As for his clothing, he'll be sporting Yonex's exclusive Chinese New Year collection, celebrating the Year of the Snake.
