Liek Hou gets over Basel heartbreak with a double in Thailand
PETALING JAYA: Former world champion Cheah Liek Hou shows he is back in the reckoning after powering his way to two titles at the Thailand Para-badminton International.
The 31-year-old, who was born with Erb’s Palsy (where the nerves of his upper arm were damaged at birth), defeated Fang Jen-yu of Taiwan 21-14, 21-17 in the singles SU5 final in Bangkok yesterday.
Liek Hou returned the court to bag the doubles title with Mohd Faris Ahmad Azri after they outplayed homesters Watcharaphon Chok-Uthaikul-Pricha Somsiri 21-14, 21-14.
“I’m really happy to return to my winning ways. It’s been more than a year (he last won the Uganda International in April last year),” said Liek Hou, who earned a redemption of sorts after surrendering his world title in Basel last month.
“The doubles title is the one to savour because it marks the first victory with Faris. I partnered him this year after Hairol (Fozi Saaba) retired.
“I’m sure we will be able to build on our partnership and secure more success.”
Liek Hou admitted that the absence of the world’s top two players Dheva Anrimusthi and Suryo Nugroho of Indonesia has somewhat reduced the significance of both victories.
“The victories could have been more meaningful with Dheva and Suryo in the fray. But I’d like to think in a positive way that I took advantage of their absence to improve on my ranking.
“With the wins, we’re going to climb from fourth to third in both the singles and doubles rankings.
“Our target is to break into the top two by the time the Tokyo Paralympics qualifying period finishes next April as we will get a favourable draw.”
Liek Hou aims to carry his winning momentum into next week’s China ParaBadminton International which begins in Hangzhou on Tuesday.
“Now that my confidence has been restored, I’m looking forward to a bigger challenge,” added Liek Hou.
“World champion Dheva is not taking part but Nugroho will be there.”
Yanti Aspar fell short of making it a triple joy for Malaysia when she lost tamely 5-21, 8-21 to South Korea’s Chai Sae-yang in the singles SS6 final.