KUALA LUMPUR - Rio 2016 mixed-doubles silver medallists Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying have decided to split up after 13 years of playing badminton together.
Peng Soon in a heartfelt Instagram post last night informed that it was difficult for them to make the decision to break up for good.
“We fail, we succeed, and we grow together. Thank you everyone, who has always come to support me and Liu Ying and stay with us throughout the thirteen years of our badminton career,” he said.
Yesterday, Liu Ying in a Facebook post said that they have pulled out from the BWF (Badminton World Federation) World Championships 2021 competition just six days before it kicks off in Huelva, Spain.
Lamenting their decision to withdraw, the 32-year-old Liu Ying cited the age factor, fitness, and the increase in Covid-19 cases worldwide as the main reason for pulling out.
Meanwhile, Peng Soon, 33, received a flurry of warm messages from the badminton fraternity, including from friends and former foes, following the announcement.
Indonesian shuttler, Liliyana Natsir, who defeated Peng Soon-Liu Ying 21-14, 21-12 in the Rio 2016 final with her partner Tontowi Ahmad described the Malaysian shuttlers as sporty, formidable and friendly opponents.
“Peng Soon and Liu Ying are part of the history of my highest achievement at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Good luck in the future brother,” she said.
Malaysian badminton legend, Datuk Lee Chong Wei as well as Tokyo 2020 men’s doubles bronze medallist Aaron Chia wished the pair good luck in their future endeavours.
In their glorious career, Peng Soon-Liu Ying, who also clinched the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, have won 12 titles in all and were ranked world number three in 2013. – Bernama, December 7, 2021
