Delightful double: Cheah Liek Hou (centre) and Fareez Anuar (right) posing with their medals together with coach Nova Armada.
PETALING JAYA: Cheah Liek Hou is bracing himself for tougher challenges ahead after claiming a delightful double in the Brazil Para International in Sao Paolo on Sunday.
Liek Hou, the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist, edged compatriot Fareez Anuar 21-19, 21-19 in the men’s singles SU5 final before combining superbly with the latter to beat India’s Chirag Baretha-Raj Kumar 21-13, 21-18 in the men’s doubles.
“I think that I’ve done a very good job here,” said a satisfied Liek Hou.
“This is my third Brazil International title in a row and I believe I’m on the right track heading towards the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“It will be getting tougher for me from here on as the qualification period for the Paralympics has started.
“All the players will be working hard and also analysing my game, so I need to maintain my performances.”
Liek Hou will next turn his attention to the back-to-back Thailand (May 9-14) and Bahrain International (May 17-23).
“The key to stay ahead of my opponents is to maintain my fitness,” said Liek Hou.
“I have some minor niggles now and I am undergoing rehabilitation on a bone spur in my heel.
“I need to carefully manage the bone spur and my overall physical condition during matches.”
Besides securing qualification for the Paralympics, Liek Hou has also set his sights on capturing the Asian Para Games gold in Hangzhou (Oct 22-28).
RESULTS
MEN
Singles SU5: Cheah Liek Hou bt Fareez Anuar 21-19, 21-19.
Doubles SU5: Cheah Liek Hou- Fareez Anuar bt Chirag Baretha-Raj Kumar (Ind) 21-13, 21-18.
