A New Era for Malaysian Mixed Doubles Badminton?
Former Malaysian badminton star Chan Peng Soon is hoping to see a new generation of mixed doubles players rise to the occasion at the upcoming Malaysian Open. The tournament, taking place from January 7th to 12th at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Kiara, holds a special significance for Peng Soon, who, alongside Goh Liu Ying, was the last Malaysian pair to reach the final in 2016.
That year, they faced a formidable Indonesian duo, Tantowi Ahmad and Lilyana natsir, in both the Malaysian Open and the Rio Olympics finals, ultimately falling short on both occasions.
Since then, Malaysia has been searching for a new champion in mixed doubles. The last time a Malaysian pair claimed victory in this category was back in 1965, when Teh Kew San and Ng Mei Ling triumphed.
This year, Peng Soon believes the landscape has shifted, creating an opportunity for Malaysian success. “With the retirement of top players like China’s Zheng Siwei, who dominated the event with five wins alongside different partners, the field is more open than ever,” he observes.
peng Soon is particularly optimistic about the prospects of Chen tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, as well as Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin. He sees similarities between Ee Wei and his former partner Liu Ying, praising Ee Wei’s fearlessness on the court. While acknowledging Su Yin’s progress, Peng Soon believes she needs to develop a similar level of confidence.
Despite his retirement from competitive badminton, Peng Soon remains deeply involved in the sport. He recently launched Malaysia’s largest indoor air-conditioned pickleball Venue and CPS subang, a multi-sport facility boasting 16 badminton courts and 18 pickleball courts, making it the largest pickleball center in Malaysia. This venture highlights Peng Soon’s continued dedication to promoting and developing racket sports in the country.
A New Dawn for Malaysian Mixed Doubles? An Interview with Chan Peng Soon
The upcoming Malaysian Open is buzzing with anticipation, and for good reason. It’s been a long time since Malaysia tasted victory in the mixed doubles category. seven years to be exact, since Chan Peng soon and Goh Liu Ying heartbreakingly fell short in both the Malaysian Open and Rio Olympics finals.
Today, we’re joined by the legendary chan Peng Soon himself, who’s hopeful that this year could see the drought finally end. Welcome, Peng Soon!
Peng Soon: Thanks for having me. It’s always great to talk badminton, especially with the Malaysian Open just around the corner.
Moderator: You mentioned a ‘new era’ for Malaysian mixed doubles. With the retirement of powerhouses like Zheng Siwei, do you genuinely believe this Open could be Malaysia’s chance to shine?
Peng Soon: Absolutely. For years, Zheng Siwei dominated the scene with his multiple partners, making it incredibly tough for anyone else to break thru. His retirement, along with other top players taking a step back, definitely opens up the field.
Moderator: That’s a valid point. You’ve specifically highlighted Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, as well as Hoo Pang Ron and Cheong Su Yin as potential contenders. What makes these pairs stand out?
Peng Soon: Ee Wei reminds me a lot of Liu Ying – fearless, incredibly talented, and with that killer instinct on the court. Tang Jie complements her perfectly.
Moderator: Captivating comparison! What about Hoo and Cheong?
Peng Soon: They’re a solid pair, showing steady progress. Su Yin has the potential to be a top player, but she needs to build that same unwavering confidence Ee Wei possesses.
Moderator: We’ve seen some promising performances from these young pairs, but reaching a final at the malaysian Open is no easy feat. What advice would you give them going into this tournament?
Peng Soon: Consistency is key. They need to play their game,stay focused,and believe in themselves. Don’t let the pressure get to them.
Moderator: You’ve spoken before about the importance of nurturing young talent. Your recent venture, CPS Subang, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is a testament to that commitment. How do you envision projects like these contributing to the future of badminton in Malaysia?
Peng Soon: It’s all about providing a platform. Providing access to quality training, equipment, and coaching. CPS Subang isn’t just about badminton; it’s about creating a community, fostering a love for racket sports in general. The more people we get involved,the brighter the future for Malaysian badminton becomes.
Moderator: Inspiring words, Peng Soon. We’re all hoping to see that future unfold at the malaysian Open. Thank you for your time and insights.
Peng Soon: The pleasure is all mine. Let’s hope for a thrilling tournament!
Now, we want to hear from you! Do you agree with Peng Soon’s assessment? Which pairs do you think will make the biggest impact at the Malaysian open? Let us know in the comments below!
