Thank you Peng Soon-Liu Ying for the smashing memories

AS a mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying have touched the pinnacle of success and then, have seen themselves come crashing.So, they really know what it’s all about.

That is probably why the pair’s decision to end their 13-year partnership does not come as a surprise. It’s something many badminton fans had wanted anyway.

Peng Soon-Liu Ying were on top of the world and hailed as national heroes when they won the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Yet, at the Tokyo Olympics this year, they lost all their group matches and came under heavy criticism.

Those who hurled the brickbats failed to understand the difficulties the duo had to go through as independent players, more so during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) two years ago and one must say they did very well just to qualify for the Olympics. In fact, other professionals have hailed them as their role models.

Then, there is their age. Peng Soon is 33 while Liu Ying is 32. Despite that, they probably have a few more years in them – they are definitely better than many out there and have maintained their top 10 position for several years now.

So what is the cause of their split? I guess, over time, both have grown to have different expectations of one another and felt that it was the right time to move on.

Peng Soon will be joining BAM to give leadership in the young mixed doubles team led by head coach Paulus Firman while Liu Ying needs time to decide on what she wants to do.

One thing is for sure, they have parted as friends who have toiled, sacrificed, and fought hard for the country.

Peng Soon is a cool guy who is devoted to his family. He loves his wife Esther and his four children (Milton, Hannah, Julian and Leah) to bits.

Often, I have called him after training and he would be at home with his kids – either putting them to bed or teaching them. He sends photos of his adorable children, all in different poses.

That’s one thing I have admired about Peng Soon – his loyalty, and not just to his family. He has stood by his partner through thick and thin, too.

He would defend Liu Ying when she underperformed on her off day and was the first to give credit to his partner when she stepped in for him on his off-days.

They would talk things through when there are misunderstandings on the court and they have grown to respect one another over the years.

Liu Ying too has faced many struggles, from knee to shoulder injuries to many challenges in training, coaching, and the different environments. Yet, she always wears this infectious smile and remained determined to conquer all.

Before Rexy Mainaky had this vision to start a full-time mixed doubles department in 2007, Malaysia were considered hopeless in this event, especially with the poor standards of the women players.

The girls were unable to complement their partner, but Liu Ying and a few others in that pioneer group changed that perception.

Peng Soon and Liu Ying went on to give the mixed doubles department a new lustre, status and prominence.

The duo scored many firsts – they were first to win an international title for the country, the first to qualify for the Olympics, and the first to win a medal at the Olympics.

They were the benchmark for many other aspiring mixed doubles pairs.

Now, Malaysia are no also-rans in the mixed doubles although we still have some catching up to do with countries like Japan, China, South Korea and Indonesia.

It’s our hope that Peng Soon will continue to keep the flag flying with new partner Valeree Siow while Liu Ying will stay on to make a mark as a professional player or a coach.

My only regret is that they did not stay together until after the World Championships in Huelva, Spain, starting tomorrow.

They could have ended their partnership in a blaze of glory. But I guess they know better.

With our glorious pair dismantled, Malaysia now bank on Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See.

Can one of them be the country’s first mixed doubles world champion? They, at least, have Peng Soon and Liu Ying as inspiration.