KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 – The sudden break-up of Malaysia’s famed mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying sent shock waves in the badminton world – more so when they were a medal prospect at the coming World Championships in Huelva, Spain next week.
There were no signs of a split – not when the pair reached the semi-finals in the season-end BWF World Tour Finals in Bali, Indonesia.
The Malaysians lost to eventual champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai, in the semi-finals. The Thais won 21-8, 21-18.
After 13 years, the Malaysian badminton couple called quits. The bombshell from Peng Soon-Liu Ying surprised many. Many are still coming to terms with their departure. As a professional pair, Peng Soon-Liu Ying were a hit in badminton tournaments around the world.
Their decision to split spread like wild fire – many shocked over the sudden break up.
Many are still searching for the real reasons for their break up but Peng Soon wasted no time to return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) stable.
With that came a strong message that he is not hanging up his racquet as he still has a number of years of competitive badminton at the highest level.
The Penangite, made it clear that the 2024 Paris Olympics is his target with a new partner. He has yet to announce the name of his new partner but seems to have someone in mind. For Liu Ying, she wants to take a rest but has also not given up competitive.
So the guessing game continues. Is it really overworked body that needs a longer time to recover due to age factor after playing highly competitive back to back tournaments for Liu Ying?
BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, in a statement confirmed Peng Soon’s return and the player will report for duty on Jan 1 2022.
For the record, Peng Soon and Liu Ying left the BAM on Jan 1, 2019.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying achieved a high in their badminton career when they won the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The pair also won the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold, the Asian Championships title and the Japan Open, apart from reaching the final at the 2017 All-England Championships.
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