PETALING JAYA: Cheah Liek Hou (pic) looks unstoppable in his quest to win the men’s singles SU5 gold at the Asian Para Games for the third time but his biggest challenge is to claim the doubles with Fareez Anuar in Hangzhou.
Liek Hou said that his priority is the singles and winning the doubles will depend on the schedule and the fact that he is one of the oldest in his category at 35.
He won doubles golds in 2010 Guangzhou and 2014 Incheon, but securing both the singles and doubles (with Hairol Fozi Saaba) titles in Jakarta 2018 has whetted Liek Hou’s appetite for success.
Liek Hou’s success in the doubles in 2010 and 2014 was with Suhalli Laiman and the former is currently ranked world No. 2 in the event with Fareez after their good performance in recent times.
“My priority is the singles and I want to target a medal first. Although I have been winning many titles on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) tour, the pressure is different at the Asian Para,” said Liek Hou.
“I am a little cautious because my challengers are much younger than me but I hope to do well. I have already won four golds and that reduces the pressure on me.
“As for the doubles, we have to look at the draw but the toughest part is that the singles and the doubles finals will be held on the same day. So my physical condition will be crucial in Hangzhou.”
Coach Nova Armada said that Liek Hou cannot run away from going for gold in the singles due to his continuous success and he will be going all out to give his best.
However, he said Indonesia pair Dheva Anrimusthi-Hafizh Briliansyah could pose a major threat in the doubles.
“Liek Hou will be going for gold in the singles where he will be competing against Dheva but the doubles is going to be very challenging,” said Nova.
“Hafizh is only playing in the doubles and will be fresh, and we have to fight all the way if we are to win two golds in badminton.”
Nova also hopes that Fareez, 27, can get a boost by winning a medal in the singles as this will build up his confidence to fight for a place in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
