KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing row with the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) finally took its toll on Cheah Liek Hou as the two-time Paralympic champion admitted he felt “totally blank” after crashing out in the men’s singles SU5 semi-finals at the China Para International in Beijing on Saturday.
The unheralded world No 37 Li Ming Pan of China stunned the world No 1 with a 25-23, 9-21, 21-14 victory — only Liek Hou’s second defeat on the Para World Tour this year.
The other came against compatriot Fareez Anuar at the British and Irish Para International in July.
PCM had recently threatened the 37-year-old with a possible lifetime ban from multi-sport Games after he slammed the body on social media for failing to deliver a promised RM60,000 reward for his gold medal at last year’s Paris Paralympics.
“To be honest, my mind was blank. I couldn’t focus and had no strategy against the young talent. I needed to be mentally clear,” admitted Liek Hou.
“I am slightly affected by the ongoing issue and hopefully this will be settled when I return from China. I have to see how it goes after this.”
There was at least some consolation as Liek Hou kept his title hopes alive in the men’s doubles, reaching Sunday’s final with scratch partner Ruthick Ragupathi of India.
The pair battled past France’s Meril Loquette-Lucas Mazur 21-18, 25-23 in the semi-finals.
Fittingly, Liek Hou will face Ming Pan again — this time across the net with partner He Zhi Rui.
“Ming Pan has the speed and power. I had to fight really hard today. I have to put aside this defeat and focus on winning the doubles title,” said Liek Hou.
His coach Nova Armada was blunter, insisting the controversy had clearly distracted his charge.
“I’ve never seen Liek Hou like this before. No strategy, no game plan… he was just going through the motions,” said Nova.
“All he asked for was the reward promised to him a year ago. We thank the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for her support. I hope PCM, the ministry and the National Sports Council can resolve this amicably.”
Nova was also relieved his star man could still return home with a title after agreeing to partner Ruthick, whose regular partner Hardik Makkar pulled out injured.
“Ruthick wanted to withdraw, but the India official agreed at the team managers’ meeting (Sept 13) for Liek Hou to partner him. At least he won’t return empty-handed from Beijing now,” Nova added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
