Daren’s rebirth: Underachiever now stands proud alongside world’s biggest names

Podium pose: (back row from left) Silver medallist Shi Yuqi of China , gold medallist Japan’s Kento Momota and bronze medallists China’s Chen Long and Malaysia’s Liew Daren during the medal presentation ceremony.

STANDING on the World Championships podium on his 31st birthday was an emotional moment for independent shuttler Liew Daren.

Malaysia witnessed the re-birth of Daren – once tagged as an underachiever – in his badminton career as he stood proud alongside the big names like Japan’s Kento Momota, China’s Shi Yuqi and Chen Long during the prize presentation.