KUALA LUMPUR: There was more bad news from the famous Cheah sisters yesterday, with Lydia calling it quits to end her 11-year service with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Just a few days ago, younger sister Sonia’s hopes of featuring in her first World Championships in Guangzhou from Aug 5-11 went up in smoke after she tore her Achilles tendon.
Sonia will be out for six months. 
Yesterday, Lydia said that she had decided to give up her place in the national team to pursue her A-Level studies.
The 24-year-old Lydia has also been bugged by a series of injuries and she failed to make the cut for this year’s World Championships.
“I’ve decided to stop because of a combination of reasons ... but the main one is because I want to further my studies. I started my A-Levels three years ago but took a break because of badminton,” said Lydia.
“Now, after assessing my situation, I’ve decided to go back and complete my studies. I’ll still play badminton – probably for a club – but my main priority is my studies.
“As I look back, I have no regrets as I know that I’ve given my best. My junior days were the most memorable as I did quite well in the Asian and world junior championships. I wish our women’s singles department will flourish.”
In their absence, the others left in the women’s singles department under coach Wong Tat Meng are Tee Jing Yi, Yang Li Lian, Lim Yin Fun and Lim Chiew Sien.
Jing Yi will head for the world meet in Guangzhou.
Just a few days ago, younger sister Sonia’s hopes of featuring in her first World Championships in Guangzhou from Aug 5-11 went up in smoke after she tore her Achilles tendon.
Sonia will be out for six months.
Injured: Sonia tore her Achilles tendon and will miss the World Championships from Aug 5-11.
Yesterday, Lydia said that she had decided to give up her place in the national team to pursue her A-Level studies.
The 24-year-old Lydia has also been bugged by a series of injuries and she failed to make the cut for this year’s World Championships.
“I’ve decided to stop because of a combination of reasons ... but the main one is because I want to further my studies. I started my A-Levels three years ago but took a break because of badminton,” said Lydia.
“Now, after assessing my situation, I’ve decided to go back and complete my studies. I’ll still play badminton – probably for a club – but my main priority is my studies.
“As I look back, I have no regrets as I know that I’ve given my best. My junior days were the most memorable as I did quite well in the Asian and world junior championships. I wish our women’s singles department will flourish.”
In their absence, the others left in the women’s singles department under coach Wong Tat Meng are Tee Jing Yi, Yang Li Lian, Lim Yin Fun and Lim Chiew Sien.
Jing Yi will head for the world meet in Guangzhou.
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