Liu Ying’s ‘happy reunion’ with Peng Soon
MIXED doubles Chan Peng SoonGoh Liu Ying got off to a winning start in their first tournament together since April last year, when they checked into the second round of the Thailand Masters yesterday.
In the opening round in Bangkok, the 2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medallists saw off Hong Kong’s Chang Tak ChingNg Wing Yung 21-19, 21-15.
The former Malaysian No 1 pair will play Indonesia's Yantoni Edy Saputra-Marsheilla Gischa Islami today for a place in the quarterfinals.
“It definitely feels great to be back on court,” said Liu Ying, who missed most of last year after undergoing surgery in Germany for a shoulder injury.
“Peng Soon and I have yet to hit top form, but that’s okay.
“We want to play in many tournaments this year. Hopefully, we get to peak by April.
“This is my first tournament after a long time so I don’t want to set any target.
“The main goal this year is to do well at the Commonwealth (Gold Coast) and Asian Games (Jakarta). We want to win a medal surely.”
In the absence of Liu Ying last year, Peng Soon took on the role of mentor when he partnered youngster Cheah Yee See.
Meanwhile in the qualifying round, Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao reached the main draw of the men’s singles event when he upset senior teammate Soo Teck Zhi 21-18, 21-18.
In the first qualifying match, Jun Hao, who was also runner-up at the World Junior Championships last year, beat Thai Kantawat Leelavechabutr 11-21, 21-18, 21-9.
The 19-year-old will take on compatriot and former world junior champion (2011) Zulfadli Zulkiffli next in the first round. Fabian Peter