Daren on a high

No 39 Liew Daren recorded the most significant result of his 14-year career by reaching the men’s singles semi-finals of the World Championships in Nanjing yesterday.

The unseeded shuttler produced a scintillating performance to edge Japanese youngster Kanta Tsuneyama 22-20, 2123, 22-20 in his last-eight match.

It was an extraordinary achievement for independent shuttler Daren as he had to play through the pain barrier in the second game after falling on the court when he was trying to retrieve a shot.

He called for medical to treat his ankle and luckily, he could continue.

For the record, the 31-year-old failed to make any impact in the world meet when he was a BA of Malaysia (BAM) player for 12 years before quitting the national team in 2016 to become a professional. His best result in the world meet was reaching the third round in Guangzhou in 2013.

His best achievement as a BAM shuttler was winning the French Open in 2012.

“When I fell and called for medical, I was in pain. But I managed to carry on and luckily, I could still play the points,” said Daren.

“It is my best performance in my career since the 2012 French Open and hopefully, there will be enough time to recover from my foot problem for the semi-finals tomorrow.

“I have had tough matches since the first round and I am glad that I have reached this far. I will continue to push myself hard tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the national squad received a blow when Goh Liu Ying suffered a left Achilles injury in yesterday’s mixed doubles quarter-final match.

She and partner Chan Peng Soon lost 21-12, 11-21, 21-10 to Hong Kong’s third seeds Tang Chan Man-Tse Ying Suet.

Mixed doubles coach Pang Cheh Chang said he will wait for her medical assessment before deciding whether the World No 9 should play at the Indonesia Asian Games later this month.

“Liu Ying was having problems with her Achilles since Thursday. She was in pain in today’s match but she carried on playing,” said Cheh Chang.

Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing will step in for the Asian Games if they withdraw.