PETALING JAYA: Landing the National Championships title was a much needed boost for independent women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo and Lim Chiew Sien as they continue to pursue their dream of playing in the Olympics.
The duo downed Cheng Su Hui-Vanessa Ng 21-13, 21-7 in the women’s doubles final at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
It was Vivian -Chiew Sien’s first title since they were paired in 2021.
For 33-year-old veteran Vivian, the win was special as it happened at the stadium where she used to train when she was with the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
“I’m elated to win the title here and I’m pleased with our performance. This is a boost for our confidence as we prepare for our next competition at the Korean Open,’’ she said.
Now ranked world No. 26, Vivian-Chiew Sien did not go beyond the second round of their last two international competitions at the Taiwan and Indonesia Opens.
Hopeful of a better outing at the Korean Open in Yeosu from July 18-21, Vivian said they have not given up their fight for an unlikely spot in the Olympics.
“This is a sport that I love, and if I can carry on playing, I will.
‘‘For now, we will continue, at least, until the Olympic qualification. After that, it will depend on sponsorships,” added Vivian.
Chiew Sien, 29, said she will continue her journey with Vivian for as long as she can.
“I will go with Vivian all the way. We will play for as long as our bodies are able to,” she said.
In the Korean Open, Vivian-Chiew Sien will face Japan world No. 5 pair Mayu Matsumoto-Wakana Nagahara in the first round.
“Usually, we expect to face strong opponents in the early rounds since we are playing in Super 50 tournaments. We’ll just train hard as usual, and give our all in the game,” said Chiew Sien.
