Cheah Liek Hou won’t be fighting alone in his title defense at the Paris Paralympics. This year, 28-year-old Fareez Anuar will also compete for a semi-final spot in the SU5 men’s singles. This marks the first time Malaysia have two shuttlers in the same category at the Paralympics.
Three years ago in Tokyo, Liek Hou faced Indonesian rivals Dheva Anrimusthi and Suryo Nugroho alone to become Malaysia’s first Paralympic gold medallist in badminton. This time, Fareez’s presence will ease the pressure on Liek Hou and might boost their chances of reaching the podium.
Liek Hou, in Group A with Suryo, Bartlomiej Mroz, and Meril Loquette, should advance to the semi-finals with relative ease. Conversely, Fareez, in the tougher Group B with Dheva, Fang Jen-yu, and Taiyo Imai, must finish in the top two to advance.
Liek Hou expressed hope that Fareez’s performance in the challenging group stage will be beneficial. At 36, Liek Hou emphasizes the need to be in peak physical condition for the five-day competition to achieve success.
Despite the challenging draw, Liek Hou remains optimistic about both players making it to the semi-finals. Although the draw appears favorable for Liek Hou, he acknowledges the need to take his lower-ranked opponents seriously.
Guided by coach Nova Armada, Malaysia is relying on Liek Hou and Fareez’s combined efforts to secure gold once again.
Today, Liek Hou will face Mroz, while Fareez will take on Jen-yu in a tough opening match.
Other Malaysians who have qualified for the Paris Paralympics include Mohd Ikhwan Rami (men’s singles WH1, men’s doubles WH1-WH2), Noor Azwan Noorlan (men’s singles WH2, men’s doubles WH1-WH2) and Mohd Amin Burhanuddin (men’s singles SL4).
Source: The Star
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