KUALA LUMPUR: A clearer-minded Cheah Liek Hou stormed to the men’s doubles SU5 title at the China Para International, days after his career was clouded by talk of a ban.
The Paralympic great, paired with India’s Ruthick Ragupathi, toppled China‘s He Zhi Rui-Li Ming Pan 21-14, 20-22, 21-16 in Sunday’s final in Beijing.
Liek Hou, 37, had been battling distractions after a dispute with the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) over athletes’ rewards.
But Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s Facebook post hours before the final — confirming PCM would not suspend him — lifted the weight off his shoulders.
“The statement made me feel relieved and helped me focus during the final. That’s why I could perform better compared to yesterday,” said Liek Hou.
He admitted he was still not fully focused, but the support gave him enough clarity to avenge his singles semi-final defeat to Ming Pan.
The Chinese shuttler later beat France’s Meril Loquette 21-10, 21-18 to lift the singles crown.
“I must thank YB Hannah for her efforts in resolving the issue and showing that athletes should be appreciated for bringing glory to the country,” he added.
The victory was all the more impressive as he and Ragupathi were a scratch pair.
“This was one of the toughest tournaments for me due to the reward row. Playing as a scratch pair made it even tougher to win the title,” said Liek Hou.
He will meet with the National Sports Council (NSC) next week to map out his future plans.
So far this year, Liek Hou has won the Spanish and Dubai Para Internationals and both the singles and doubles (with Fareez Anuar) at the Asian Para Championships.
His next targets are the Japan Para International (Nov 5-9) and the Indonesia Para International in Solo (Nov 29-Dec 2).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
