PETALING JAYA: Cheah Liek Hou’s objective of reaching a perfect 10 on the international stage is on track even in the presence of Indonesian rival Suryo Nugroho.
Liek Hou, who won his ninth consecutive title at the Bahrain Para International on Sunday, is confident of another success as his major rival Dheva Anrimusthi of Indonesia will not be competing in the Dubai Para International starting today.
“I want a perfect 10. Although Suryo is playing, I am not too worried. I’m confident I can capture the title again,” said Liek Hou, the reigning Paralympic champion in the SU5 category.
Liek Hou is also looking forward to the prospect of playing in the doubles in future tournaments with newcomer Mohd Fareez Anuar with whom he won the doubles in Bahrain.
However, Fareez will have to get the green light from the tournament doctors in order to continue playing in the circuit and the Malaysian will be tested again in Dubai.
If Fareez gets the approval and is certified to play in tournaments by the International Paralympic Council (IPC), Liek Hou said Malaysia can have another quality player who can do well on the para circuit.
“As of now, doubles is not part of the Paralympics but we can play in the World Para Championships, Asian and the Asean Para Games,” said Liek Hou.
“Fareez is a good player and has a chance to qualify for the Paralympics in singles.
“If he does, we will have two players to battle for gold against the Indonesian players who will be our main obstacle in 2024.”
In Dubai, national para coach Rashid Sidek has made a change where Liek Hou will partner Fariz Asri while Fareez will pair up with Amyrul Yazid Sibi.
Rashid said getting the approval for Fareez to continue playing is more important and he is only likely to be partnered with Liek Hou on a full-time basis after he gets the IPC green light.
