PETALING JAYA: Para shuttler Cheah Liek Hou’s 37th birthday gift has finally arrived after two weeks.
Liek Hou, who celebrated his big day on March 8, tasted international title success for the first time this year at the Spanish Para International tournament on Sunday by delivering a double in the SU5 (upper body) category.
He defeated Fang Jen-yu of Taiwan 18-21, 21-17, 21-11 to defend the singles crown in Vitoria.
Ecstatic: Cheah Liek Hou posing with coach Nova Armada after winning the Spanish para International title.
Later he teamed up with Mohd Fareez Anuar to knock out Jen-yu Pu Gui-yu 21-13, 21-18 in the doubles.
Liek Hou was delighted.
“It’s a sweet belated birthday gift for me,” said Liek Hou.
“I had a short preparation for this tournament but I was still able to overcome the pressure and my inconsistent form of late due to injury.”
“I’ve been dealing with heel injury for years now and it takes time to cure.
“It’s harder when we play in Europe, as the muscle stiffens due to cold weather.” added Liek Hou as he thanked his sponsors and fans for their support and promised to keep the flag flying high.
The player, under the National Sports Council banner, will be without tournaments until he gets back into action in another international tournament in Dubai in May.
Malaysians only
Men
Singles SU5: Cheah Liek Hou bt Fang Jen-yu (Tpe) 18-21, 21-17, 21-11.
Doubles SU5: Mohd Fareez Anuar-Liek Hou bt Jen-yu-Pu Gui-yu (Tpe) 21-13, 21-18.
Women
Singles WH2: Reo Oyama (Jpn) bt Mohd Ikhwan Ramli 21-17, 21-18.
