Liu Ying: Missing national meet not a cause for concern
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles star Goh Liu Ying will miss the action in the Celcom Axiata National Championships starting today but she’s cool about it.
Liu Ying said the short break would give her time to beef up her preparations for the back-to-back German Open and All-England next month.
The German Open is from March 6-11, followed by the All-England from March 14-18.
In Liu Ying’s absence at the national meet, her partner Chan Peng Soon will team up again with Chow Mei Kuan in the mixed doubles event.
Last year, Peng Soon-Mei Kuan reached the final before losing to Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.
The national meet begins with two days of qualifying before the main event kicks off on Wednesday at Stadium Juara.
Liu Ying said the European stints would be a platform to evaluate her form.
“I’m really happy with my condition but I’ve not pushed myself in bigger tournaments yet. The challenge will be stronger in the next two tournaments,” said Liu Ying.
“I’ve not reached my peak condition yet since coming back. I know, I can play much better but I’m not pushing myself but taking it slowly.”
Liu Ying made her return with Peng Soon this year after being ruled out with a shoulder problem for almost six months.
In the first tournament together last month, they won the Thailand Masters. That was followed by a quarter-final finish at the Malaysian Masters and second-round exit at the Indian Open.
“There will be expectations at the All-England after Peng Soon and I reached the final last year. It will not be easy to repeat it, in the condition I’m in,” she said.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to raise my game a notch higher. My first goal this year is to win at the Commonwealth Games.”
Liu Ying did not make the trip to the last Games in Glasgow, Scotland, because of injury. She played with Peng Soon at the 2010 edition in New Delhi but lost in the semi-finals.