The final stretch: Goh Liu Ying returning a shot as partner Chan Peng Soon looks on during their first-round match against Indonesia’s Rehan Naufal-Lisa Ayu. — Bernama
THE curtains came down on one of Malaysia’s finest mixed doubles players, Goh Liu Ying, as she bid farewell to her adoring fans at the Axiata Arena yesterday.
It was at the 2008 Malaysian Open when Liu Ying announced her arrival on the international stage with Chan Peng Soon and went on to win the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics silver medal to arguably become Malaysia’s best combination in the mixed doubles.
Fittingly, Liu Ying wanted to end her career at home with Peng Soon although the duo had gone separate ways early last year.
It became a reality and despite a 21-18, 15-21, 7-21 defeat to Indonesia’s Rehan Naufal-Lisa Ayu, the 2,000 fans did enough to make it a special occasion for Liu Ying.
The chants of “Goh Liu Ying” filled the stadium as the fans kept cheering and encouraging the veteran and she bowed out with her head held high.
“Despite all these years and not playing together since 2022, we played like we didn’t take a break. Winning a game is a bonus in front of the fans. I’m going to miss playing with Peng Soon and also this atmosphere,” said Liu Ying.
“Throughout our playing days, we had been lucky as there was always support from the fans, hardly any jeers. I am very touched by their affection.
“We reached the final twice (2013 and 2016) but could not win the title, that’s the only regret.
“My most memorable moment was the 2016 Olympics and we will cherish that forever.”
Liu Ying added that she didn’t have to worry about injuries anymore. A constant knee problem had affected her progress after the 2016 Olympics.
“My father (Goh Chak Whee) will be relieved ... he does not have to see me suffer with injuries anymore. In fact, he came from Melaka today (yesterday) to watch me play but he could not witness a win from his daughter.”
Peng Soon also paid tribute to Liu Ying as they had remained as partners for 14 years before going separate ways last year.
“I will miss partnering her. In fact, now that she is retiring, it makes me feel old too. My time is also approaching but I don’t know when yet,” joked Peng Soon.
As Peng Soon-Liu Ying’s legacy ended, another young pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei gave some promising signals as they advanced to the second round yesterday.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei, playing only in their third tournament, overcame compatriots and world No. 6 Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing 21-15, 21-10 in 31 minutes to reach the second round.
They will meet Peng Soon-Liu Ying’s conquerors Rehan-Lisa in the second round today.
“Coach Nova (Widianto) asked us to be brave and believe in ourselves. We did well to control the rallies,” said Ee Wei.
“We were a little nervous but managed to calm each other down to secure this victory.”
Another Badminton Association of Malaysia pair Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing had already advanced to the second round on Tuesday and will play French combination Thomas Gicquel-Deplhine Delrue.
Independent pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie will also be looking for a spot in the quarter-finals but they need to secure their first victory over world No. 1 Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong in the second round today.
The Malaysian duo have lost all eight meetings against the China pair but Soon Huat has not thrown in the towel.
“They are the top combination and we have lost to them so many times. But I believe we will definitely get our chance and feel that we can at least beat them once after so many matches,” said Soon Huat.
