PETALING JAYA: Para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou once again displayed his golden touch by proving that he can form a winning partnership with just about anyone after capturing another title at the Japan Para International.
Liek Hou clinched the men’s doubles SU5 title with Mohd Faris Azri after beating India’s Hardik Makkar and Ruthick Ragupathi 23-21, 21-13 in the final at the Kusanagi Sports Complex in Shizuoka yesterday.
Ironically, just last week, Liek Hou had partnered Ragupathi to win the Indonesian Para International in Medan.
Interestingly, this was the first time in three years that Liek Hou had reunited with Faris – the last being at the 2022 World Para Championships in Tokyo, where they finished as runners-up before he went on to partner Mohd Fareez Anuar.
However, with Fareez currently sidelined by injury, the two-time Paralympic champion has been rotating partners in recent tournaments.
Following this latest success, Liek Hou hinted that he might continue partnering Faris for a while until Fareez makes a full recovery.
"Since Fareez is injured right now, I decided to team up with Faris again," said Liek Hou when contacted.
"For me, there isn’t much difference, but Faris needs some time to adapt to my playing style because I prefer a fast-paced attacking game.
It’s something we’ll need to work on as we’re expected to continue playing together for a few more tournaments."
Liek Hou also captured the men’s singles SU5 title after defeating Taiwan’s Fang Jen-yu 21-14, 19-21, 21-18.
The victory marked a fitting end to a brilliant season for Liek Hou, who has now amassed five singles titles and six doubles crowns this year.
