KUALA LUMPUR – National para-badminton shuttler Cheah Liek Hou has etched his name alongside legendary squash player, Datuk Nicol David, by clinching his record-equalling eighth world title.
Liek Hou’s historic achievement came after securing his eighth SU5 (upper impairment) men’s singles World Championship gold medal in Pattaya, Thailand today.
Nicol, a revered figure in squash, also boasts eight world championship titles, which she claimed in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014.
In today’s final at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall, Liek Hou faced off against long-time rival, Dheva Anrimusthi.
The intense battle saw Liek Hou exact sweet revenge on the Indonesian by triumphing in three sets, with scores of 21-15, 16-21, 21-15, after an hour and two minutes of gruelling competition.
Reflecting on his achievement, the 35-year-old Paralympic gold medalist expressed immense pride in matching Nicol’s remarkable world title record.
“With today’s victory, I have not only created another record for myself and the country but also equalled Datuk Nicol David’s world title record, which comprises eight remarkable wins.
“I’m very proud of this achievement. It has not been easy to reach this milestone,” Liek Hou said.
Anrimusthi had defeated Liek Hou in their last meeting at the Asian Para Games final last year, adding even more significance to his triumph over his Indonesian counterpart in their fifteenth contest.
However, the para-badminton maestro did not stop at securing his singles title.
He also teamed up with Fareez Anuar in the men’s doubles category, clinching yet another victory by defeating India’s Chirag Baretha and Raj Kumar in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18.
This triumph marked Liek Hou’s sixth men’s doubles world title, elevating his tally to a remarkable 14 World Championships gold medals, further cementing his legacy as a Malaysian sporting icon.
Liek Hou had previously claimed seven singles titles in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022, while his five doubles titles were secured in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2015. – February 25, 2024