MALAYSIA’S Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying finally got the monkey off their back when they defeated Indonesians Fran Kurniawan-Pia Zebadiah Bernadeth for the first time in super style to march into the final of the Malaysian Grand Prix Gold.
Showing strong determination to end their miserable losing streak, the duo stepped up a gear and played with confidence to beat the third seeds 21-14, 21-10 in 26 minutes.
We did it: Malaysia’s Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying celebrate after beating Indonesia’s Fran Kurniawan-Pia Zebadiah Bernadeth 21-14, 21-10 in the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold mixed doubles semi-finals yesterday. — CHIN CHENG YEANG / The Star
Even Liu Ying, who usually caves in under heavy pressure, came out of her solid partner Peng Soon’s shadow with a gutsy display yesterday.
The win certainly made up for their four previous losses to the Indonesians. Their recent defeats had been at last week’s India Open and Malaysia Open in January.
Today, they take on reigning India Open champions and Indonesia’s powerful combination of Tantowi Ahmad-Lilyana Natsir and the Malaysians will be out to avenge their first-round defeat at the All-England in March.
The win certainly made up for their four previous losses to the Indonesians. Their recent defeats had been at last week’s India Open and Malaysia Open in January.
Today, they take on reigning India Open champions and Indonesia’s powerful combination of Tantowi Ahmad-Lilyana Natsir and the Malaysians will be out to avenge their first-round defeat at the All-England in March.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying are hoping to win their second international title after emerging as the first Malaysian pair to win a mixed doubles title on the international stage at the Asian Badminton Championships in India last year.
The 23-year-old Peng Soon could not contain his joy and attributed their success to the overwhelming support of the home fans, who had come in hordes to flood the 3,000 capacity stadium.
“I am very, very... very happy,” said a delighted Peng Soon.
“We are thrilled to have finally beaten them after losing in the last four matches.
“The crowd gave us extra motivation to defy the odds.
“We really appreciate their support.”
The 22-year-old Liu Ying said she kept her emotions in check despite taking good leads in both games.
“I used to get so tense but this time, I was calm throughout the match today. Instead of giving in to fear of losing again, I did the best I can. And it worked for us.”
On today’s final, Peng Soon said: “Our last meeting against Tantowi-Lilyana ended with a painful defeat. We were leading 17-13 in the decider before they caught up to beat us in the first round of the All-England in March.
“Lilyana is the more dangerous player as she has excellent coverage at the front of the court. Her partner is lethal in his attacks. We will give our best to take them down.”
Yesterday, Tantowi-Lilyana went through a roller-coaster ride en route to beating second seeds A. Songphon-V. Kunchala of Thailand 21-13, 14-21, 21-12 in 41 minutes.
Lilyana rates her new partner Tantowi highly even though their partnership has not hit the one-year mark.
“He is young and energetic but plays with all his heart. He hits hard and is very focused in his game.
“We did well to win the India Open last week and that has given us a lot of confidence.”
Lilyana, however, said she would not underestimate her Malaysian opponents.
“We played against them once and they dragged us into a rubber game.
“It will not be easy and they have home advantage.”
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