Independents’ day
Independent pairs make dream start as pros with titles in Thailand
Freedom breeds success – and newly-independent badminton pairs Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying have instantly become smashing examples of that. The quartet made a dream start in their professional careers after leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) by lifting titles in the seasonopening Thailand Masters in Bangkok. World No. 6 Peng Soon-Liu Ying ruled the mixed doubles with a 21-16, 21-15 win over world No. 5 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai. World No. 14 V Shem-Wee Kiong doubled the joy for Malaysia by powering past world No. 26 Lu Ching-yao-Yang Po-han of Taiwan 21-13, 21-17. Point taken, BAM? Perhaps there are more pros than cons in going professional.
PETALING JAYA: Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying could not have asked for a more perfect start to their professional careers.
Declaring “independence” from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) seemed to have done the trick for them as the Rio Olympics silver medal-winning quartet returned to winning ways at the season-opening Thailand Masters in Bangkok yesterday.
The two pairs were in their element throughout the week and justified their top billings.
World No. 6 Peng Soon-Liu Ying were the first to notch victory in the mixed doubles final when they silenced the home fans at the Huamark Indoor Stadium with a 21-16, 21-15 win over world No. 5 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
World No. 14 V Shem-Wee Kiong then made it a double joy by powering past world No. 26 Lu Ching-yao-Yang Po-han of Taiwan 21-13, 21-17.
The triumph was certainly special, particularly for V Shem-Wee Kiong as they finally ended a dreadful two-year wait for a title.
It is their sixth victory together, having won their fifth title at the World Superseries Finals in Dubai in December 2016.
“We have been waiting for this moment! I’m so glad that we won, it’s such a huge relief. This title means a lot to us especially after going on a two-year winless run,” said Wee Kiong.
“It was difficult but we somehow persevered. Although it took quite a while, but better late than never!”
With the win, V Shem-Wee Kiong had just proved a point to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Prior to leaving the national setup, the former world No. 1 had been issued an ultimatum to start delivering results or face the chop.
As for Peng Soon-Liu Ying, their 11th title together was also the one to cherish as they defended a title for the first time in their nine-year partnership.
“Happy, happy, very happy,” said Peng Soon.
“But surely, we’re not going to feel satisfied yet. This is just the start, hopefully there will be more to come.”
Asked if winning a title as an independent pair had given him extra joy, he said: “Not at all. It’s the same really. Like I have stressed many times previously, whether as a national player or independent player, we’re not playing for ourselves.
“We’re representing Malaysia and it’s a privilege to be able to do the country proud.”
The two pairs, who pocketed US$11,850 (RM48,500) each for their efforts, will now head home in buoyant mood ahead of the Malaysian Masters, starting at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s world No. 125 Loh Kean Yew capped a memorable outing by pulling off a major upset when he beat top seed and two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan to the men’s singles crown.
The 21-year-old Penang-born Kean Yew came from behind in both games to stun the Chinese superstar 21-19, 21-18 and claim his biggest title to date.
Kean Yew, who started representing Singapore in 2013, emulated countryman Ronald Susilo who famously upset the Chinese superstar at the 2004 Athens Olympics.