Liu Ying nervous ahead of return with former partner Peng Soon

Goh Liu Ying (left) is looking forward to partner Chan Peng Soon (right) again after eight-month absence.

KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton mixed doubles specialist Goh Liu Ying is on pins and needles as she is down to resume her partnership with Chan Peng Soon in four tournaments.

Her nervousness and anxiety is understandable.

Liu Ying has not played with Peng Soon since going under the knife for her knee injury in May after competing in the Singapore Open in April.

Last week, the 24-year-old shuttler was given the green light to resume her national duties and her first assignment with Peng Soon is the Kuala Lumpur Open from Feb 11-15.

Liu Ying said that although she is looking forward to team up with Peng Soon again after an eight-month absence her “rustiness” and the fear of aggravating her injury is also causing some uneasiness.

“I have started training with her but there have been some awkward moments. Sometimes, I am hesitant when going for shots. The phobia of getting injured is always in the back of my mind,” admitted Liu Ying.

“I must learn to deal with it fast. The next four tournaments will be crucial for me.

“For now, it is more important for me to regain my confidence and to make our combination solid again. If all goes well, we will then work on qualifying for the 2016 Olympics (in Rio de Janeiro).”

After the KL Open, they will head to three international tournaments – the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold from March 10-15, the International Challenge in Poland (March 18-21) and France (March 26-29).

Liu Ying said that she was happy to see the emergence of a few mixed doubles pairs in her absence.

“Lai Pei Jing has benefited a lot by playing with Peng Soon during my absence. She is now more confident on court and that is heartening. The juniors are also shaping up well.”

Prior to her injury, Liu Ying-Peng Soon were ranked as high as No. 3 in the world.

In their five-year partnership, they have won four titles – the Asian Badminton Championships (2010), the German Open (2011), the Japan Open Superseries (2012) and the Malaysian Open GP Gold (2012).