PETALING JAYA: National para shuttler Cheah Liek Hou almost missed out on the chance to defend his two titles at the Spanish International after being sick in the weeks leading up to the competition.
The 38-year-old revealed that he was extremely unwell before competing in Toledo, Spain, but mustered up the strength to clinch both the men’s SU5 (upper body impairment) singles and doubles titles on Sunday.
Liek Hou defeated Taiwan’s Fang Jen-yu 21-19, 21-16 to clinch the singles title, and followed it by winning the doubles with Brazil’s Yuki Rodrigues as they beat Jen-yu-Gui Yu-pu 21-11, 21-15.
But Liek Hou said he could only deliver about 60 percent of his performance on court, but was relieved that it was enough to deliver a double.
“My condition before the tournament wasn’t good at all. A little over a week ago I was really sick with a bad cough and a sore throat,” said Liek Hou.
“Thankfully, it wasn’t influenza. However, it took some time for me to recover.
“I didn’t train for a few days and only had a short period to prepare for Spain.
“But I’m glad I was able to stay in control during matches and defend both my titles.”
With his April and May schedules clear of any competition, Liek Hou hopes to get himself back to his full potential as he prepares for the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan from Oct 18-24.
The tournament in Spain was Liek Hou’s first pairing with 24-year-old Rodrigues as the two went from on-court rivals to teammates.
Liek Hou had partnered compatriot Mohd Fareez Anuar to win the doubles crown last year, but was forced to find a new partner after Fareez was deemed ineligible following changes to the SU5 classification.
“He (Rodrigues) is still very young with a long way to go. I do wish him very best in his career,” added Liek Hou.
“I hope he uses this win to push himself further and chase after bigger targets.
