Cheah Liek Hou
PETALING JAYA: Injury did not stop evergreen shuttler Cheah Liek Hou from capturing two titles in the Dubai Para International.
Two-time Paralympic champion Liek Hou had not fully recovered from a leg injury but soldiered on and beat teammate Mohd Fareez Anuar 21-12, 22-20 in the men's singles SU5 (upper body impairment) at the Shabab Al Ahli Dubai club yesterday.
The 37-year-old had to fend off a strong challenge from Fareez, 28 in the second game and had to use all his experience to prevail.
Liek Hou then returned to court and combined well with Fareez to win the men's doubles crown after defeating India's Hardik Makkar-Ruthick Ragupathi 21-18, 21-15.
While the tournament was missing several top players from Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan, it was still a good achievement for Liek Hou as he continues to defy his age and injuries.
"As what I can see, most of the top players from Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan Japan and France did not compete in this tournament but it still feels good to win the titles here as my condition is not really good," said Liek Hou.
"I have not fully recovered from my leg injury yet. I managed my condition well though against Fareez. I hope after this, I can recover soon.
"For now, I'm not sure when I can compete again as it depends on my recovery."
Meanwhile, there was also joy for Malaysia when Mohd Ikhwan Ramli emerged champion in the men's singles WH1 (wheelchair) after pulling off an impressive 13-21, 21-18, 21-6 victory over South Korea's 2022 world champion Choi Jung-man.
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