File pix of Cheah Liek Hou (left) and Fareez Anuar (right) with their coach Nova Armada after winning the SU5 men's doubles title at the World Championships in Pattaya this year.
PARIS: National para badminton ace, Cheah Liek Hou opened his men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) gold medal defence on a bright note on the first day of the Paris Paralympic Games today (Aug 29).
In a Group A match held in Adidas Arena, the world number one player and top seed proved to be too hot to handle for Polish shuttler, Bartlomiej Mroz, as the Malaysian cruised to a 21-10, 21-6 victory in 26 minutes.
Meanwhile, another Malaysian shuttler, Fareez Anuar, who played in the same category, made an impressive debut at the Games here as he pulled off an upset over second seed from Taiwan, Fang Jen-yu of Taiwan 21-14, 21-18, in a Group B match.
Coach Nova Armada was pleased to see both of his charges' performances.
While he had expected Liek Hou to win the game against Mroz, the Indonesian coach was delighted to see the unseeded Fareez's win.
He said the 28-year-old had a poor record against the Taiwanese player, losing six times in eight matches before.
"It is hoped Fareez’s victory will build his confidence as he is in a tough group world number three, Dheva Anrimusthi of Indonesia,” he said.
Fareez who is currently ranked fourth best, was also drawn against Taiyo Imai of Japan in Group B.
The top two players from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. - Bernama
