Thanks for the guidance: Cheah Liek Hou (right) posing with his coach Nova Armada
PETALING JAYA: Cheah Liek Hou rebounded strongly from his defeat in the final of the Spanish Para International Level 2 event last week to capture his first title of the year in the Level 1 tournament yesterday.
Liek Hou, who saw his run of 14 consecutive title wins halted by Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi last week, was in his element this time as he swept aside Taiwan’s Fang Jen-yu 21-7, 21-13 in the final in Toledo.
In his last-four match a day earlier, the reigning Paralympic and world champion in the SU5 men’s singles had exacted sweet revenge over Dheva by beating him 21-16, 21-9.
“I’m really proud of myself for winning this title as I had been suffering from sore throat, flu and nose bleed since last week due to the cold weather in Spain,” said Liek Hou
“I’m not used to the weather there and needed more time to adapt.
“My supporting team also helped me to analyse what went wrong for me in the final last week.’’
Liek Hou’s coach Nova Armada added that the win over Dheva in the semi-final was the key to his charge’s title win.
“We had targeted the title and beating Dheva was crucial,” said Indonesian Nova.
“The final turned out to be easy for Liek Hou.
“This is a good win for him as Level 1 tournaments offer more ranking points in the Race to the Paris Paralympics next year.
World No. 1 Liek Hou is in a good position to make the cut for the Paris showpiece but does not want to take it easy.
The 34-year-old will next turn his attentions to the Brazil Para International from April 10-16.
“Next, I will focus on the tournament in Brazil which is a Level 2 event,” added Liek Hou.
“My aim is to win the title there but it depends on my physical condition.
“I’m getting older now and need to take better care to continue to be successful.’’
