KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia achieved a “high five” at the Indonesia Para International where Cheah Liek Hou secured a double while Ikhwan Ramli impressed with a treble in Solo today.
Two-time Paralympic champion Liek Hou returned to winning ways in the singles after a rare defeat at the China Para International last month, as he beat Frenchman Meril Loquett 21-17, 21-10 to win the SU5 men’s singles crown.
Liek Hou had suffered a rare semi-final defeat to eventual champion Li Ming Pan of China in Beijing following the ban threat from the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) over the athletes’ rewards dispute.
The Malaysian also won his second men’s doubles title with Indian shuttler Ruthick Ragupathi – a temporary combination as his regular partner Fareez Anuar is nursing an injury – on Friday after winning all four of their round-robin matches.
Meanwhile, Ikhwan took advantage of the absence of South Korean rivals Park Hae Seong and Choi Jung Man as he captured the wheelchair singles title with a 21-11, 21-9 win over Ong Yu Yu of Taiwan.
He later won the men’s doubles with Noor Azwan Noorlan and also secured a rare mixed doubles crown with Peru’s Pilar Jauregui after overcoming S. Kumar–M. Ammu of India 21-12, 21-12.
“I prepared really well for almost one month for the Indonesian tournament after returning from the China International. My mind is very clear now and it’s good to regain my ideal condition and focus,” said Liek Hou.
“It’s not an easy venue to play due to the draught. So, I’m satisfied with the way I have performed and also looking forward to playing the Japan Para International next week.
“I am happy to see Ikhwan doing so well here by winning three titles and it should also boost his confidence in challenging the top players in his category after this.”
Liek Hou will also end his brief combination with Ruthick and will partner Faris Azri at the Japan Para beginning on Tuesday.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
