LIU YING EYES REUNION WITH KOREAN STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Liu Ying is eyeing a reunion with former world No. 1 men’s doubles ace Yoo Yeon-seong of South Korea in the mixed doubles in the SS Purple League (SSPL).
The fit-again Liu Ying is back with Puchong United Badminton Club (PUBC) after missing out on the early campaign due to her shoulder injury.
The 28 year-old is raring to help PUBC clinch their first league title.
PUBC, the runners-up last year, will head into the SSPL Grand Finals, which gets under way at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands tomorrow, as hot favourites.
They have reinforced their side by acquiring the services of Taiwan’s world No. 1 women’s singles player Tai Tzu-ying and fellow compatriot Lee Yang, who forms the world No. 8 men’s doubles pair- ing with Lee Jhe-huei.
Besides Liu Ying, PUBC also boast three top national mixed doubles specialists – Tan Kian Meng, Lai Pei Jing and Shevon Lai Jemie.
But the fans are eager to see Liu Ying and Yeon-seong reunited.
The duo previously played three times together and were unbeaten.
Liu Ying played no part in PUBC’s campaign at the last Grand Finals as she was injured.
“I’m looking forward to donning PUBC colours again. I played a few matches in the regular season but missed out on last year’s Grand Finals,” said Liu Ying after the launch of PUBC’s special edition jersey and the team’s “RoadtoGold” campaign for the Grand Finals.
“There is unfinished business for me in Genting – that’s to help PUBC emerge champions.”
On whether she hopes to pair up with Yeon-seong again, she quipped: “That’s a team secret. But obviously, I would like to partner him or everyone else subject to the team’s strategy. We’ve got a pretty solid mixed doubles department.”
PUBC team manager Irina Inozemtseva played down their favourites’ tag ahead of the title showdown.
“We’re thankful that our hard work and determination have brought us this far and we’re looking forward to achieving our goal of winning the SSPL,” she said.
In Genting, PUBC and Cheras BC have earned byes into the semi-finals by virtue of being the top two finishers of the regular SSPL season.
PUBC face the winner of the first quarter-final between Ampang Jaya BC and Petaling Jaya BC while Cheras BC play the victor of the second quarter-final between Kepong BC and Petaling BC.