BREAKTHROUGH FOR INDEPENDENT PAIRS
Successful first outings after leaving BAM for V Shem-Wee Kiong, Peng Soon-Liu Ying
AFTER two years, Goh V ShemTan Wee Kiong finally broke their barren run when they clinched the Thailand Masters men’s doubles crown yesterday. The 21-13, 21-17 over Taiwan’s Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han in the final win was extra special as it was the World No 14’s first title as an independent duo.
After coming under heavy criticism for their poor form in the last two years under the BA of Malaysia (BAM), the 2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medallists can finally breathe a sigh of relief, and start looking forward towards their goal of qualifying for the Tokyo Games next year.
V Shem-Wee Kiong, who quit the national body last month, will also be looking to secure sponsorship deals following their win in Bangkok.
“This victory sure took a long time to come but it came, and that’s all that matters,” said Wee Kiong yesterday.
“It was difficult, but we somehow made it. And to win a title in our first tournament as an independent pair, I don’t think we can ask for a better result.
“Our target remains the same and that is to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.
“We will never give up on our dream,” added Wee Kiong, who together with V Shem last won the 2016 World Super Series Finals in Dubai.
In the mixed doubles final, World No 6 Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who also quit BAM recently, successfully retained their title after seeing off second seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 21-16, 21-15.
“Of course, we are very happy because we successfully defended our title.
“It is also extra special for us because this is our first tournament this year and we are also an independent pair,” said Peng Soon.
The Malaysian pairs pocketed US$11,850 (about RM48,500) each in prize money.
Both pairs will compete in the Malaysia Masters that starts tomorrow.