PETALING JAYA: Para shuttler Cheah Liek Hou showed unwavering focus by storming into the semi-finals of the China Para International despite an ongoing dispute with the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM).
PCM had threatened to take action against Liek Hou after he criticised the organisation via social media for failing to give him RM60,000 incentive as promised for capturing gold in the 2024 Paris Paralympics last year.
The 37-year-old though remained unfazed and easily beat Singapore's Tay Wei Ming 21-17, 21-11 to march into the last four in the men's singles SU5 (upper body impairment) in Beijing on Friday (Sept 19).
Liek Hou will next take on homester Li Mingpan for a place in the final.
The two-time Paralympic champion was pleased with the win and is keen to continue his good run.
"I was quite confident that I could win today (yesterday)," said Liek Hou.
"The real test for me will be tomorrow (today) against the Chinese youngster. He beat Taiwan's No. 1 player Fang Jen-yu in the last eight. I can see that his performance was quite good, so I cannot afford to underestimate him.
"He is a powerful attacking player. I have to be well prepared and focus fully in the match," added Liek Hou.
Liek Hou also combined well with India's Ruthick Ragupathi to reach the men's doubles semi-finals.
The pair beat India's Rakesh Pandey-Dev Rathi 21-11, 21-13 to set up a clash against French duo Meril Loquette-Lucas Mazur.
