Peng Soon-Liu Ying mark return as pair with a win
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying marked their comeback with a winning start at the Thailand Masters.
The Rio Olympics silver medallist have not played together since April last year when Liu Ying underwent a shoulder surgery.
The pair, who are currently ranked No. 58 in the world, shook off some early rust before powering past Hong Kong’s Chang Tak ChingNg Wing Yung 21-19, 21-15 in Bangkok yesterday.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying, last year’s All-England runners-up, will meet Indonesia’s Yantoni Edy Saputra-Marsheilla Gischa Islami for a place in the quarter-finals.
“We didn’t start so well because we have not played together for so long,” said Peng Soon, who served as a mentor to Cheah Yee See for most of last season.
“We lacked a bit chemistry ... we felt like strangers for quite a bit, but we improved in the second game.
“I do believe that we will continue to improve as a pair with each match.
“But I am not sure if we can regain the form that won us the Olympic silver. It’s still a long way to go,” said Liu Ying.
In other matches, reigning Asian Junior champion Leong Jun Hao earned a spot in the main draw after beating senior Soo Teck Zhi 21-18, 21-18 in the second qualifying round.
The 19-year-old earlier beat Thai Kantawat Leelavechabutr 11-21, 21-18, 21-9 in the first qualifying round.
Jun Hao, last year’s runner-up at the World Junior Championships, takes on eighth seed Zulfadli Zulkiffli in the first round.