TOKYO - National shuttler Cheah Liek Hou is just a step away from making history as the first Paralympic Games badminton champion after cruising into the men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) final today.
Badminton is making its debut in the Paralympics at this Tokyo Games.
The 33-year-old bounced back from a set down to oust Fang Jen-yu of Chinese Taipei 15-21, 21-10, 21-16 in the last four stage at the Yoyogi National Stadium in the morning session.
The world number two, who had a slow start, was left trailing for most of the first set which he eventually lost 15-21.
Liek Hou, however, returned more energetic and pumped-up, leading 11-6 at the drink break in second set, and went on to win 21-10.
In the tightly fought decider, the six-time world champion Liek Hou proved much more superior to ultimately win the game 21-16 to secure his place in the final.
Liek Hou will face world number one Dheva Anrimusthi of Indonesia in the final, while Jen-yu will be facing another Indonesian, Suryo Nugroho, in the bronze medal decider. Both matches are scheduled for 4pm local time (3pm Malaysian time).
Dheva beat world number three Suryo 21-13, 21-15 in the other semi-final. - Bernama, September 4, 2021
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