Peng Soon, at your service
Shuttler excited about playing a part in men’s doubles event
KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles ace Chan Peng Soon (pic) is ready to be called upon for the men’s doubles duty in the team event at the Asian Games.
The 30-year-old is one of the six doubles shuttlers in the 10-man squad besides established pairs Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Tee Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin, and Goh Soon Huat, who’s the other mixed doubles specialist.
There’s no third men’s doubles pair named as only 10 shuttlers can be registered for each gender at the Asiad.
Hence, either Peng Soon or Soon Huat will need to be on standby if their services are needed.
Peng Soon is excited about the prospects of playing a part in the team event.
“Being part of the team, obviously I’m ready to be fielded,” said Peng Soon.
“I used to play in the men’s doubles, so it shouldn’t be hard to adapt.
“Among the four (men’s doubles pairs) I have partnered with Wee Kiong previously.
“In fact, in Incheon four years ago, it was the team event that earned me my first Asian Games medal.
“Our team won the bronze but I didn’t play in any of the matches.
“The Asian Games team event is played in knockout style format, so, it’s do or die for every match.
“It’s unlikely the coaches will split the two top pairs and form scratch pairings.
“But should there be any need, I’m good to go.”
Peng Soon’s main goal will be winning a medal in the mixed doubles at the third time of asking.
His first two outings ended up with first round defeats.
In his debut with Goh Liu Ying in Guangzhou in 2010, the pair went down to eventual gold medallists Shin Baek-cheolLee Hyo-jung of South Korea.
In Incheon, Peng Soon partnered with Ng Hui Lin and fell to Singapore’s Danny Bawa Chrisnanta-Vanessa Neo.
“Hopefully third time’s the charm. My previous two outings have never been pleasant, so I really hope to nail it this time. Asian Games medal is the most prestigious honour to have in badminton as it’s held only once in four years,” said Peng Soon.
“And having failed to win a World Championships medal in Nanjing recently, I told Liu Ying let’s not miss another chance.”