KUALA LUMPUR – As expected, defending champion Cheah Liek Hou opened his Paris Paralympics campaign with a commanding 21-10, 21-6 victory over Poland’s Bartlomiej Mroz in his Group A match today.
However, it was Liek Hou’s compatriot, Muhammad Fareez Anuar, who stole the spotlight in the men’s singles SU5 (standing upper) event.
Competing in Group B, Fareez stunned world number two Fang Jen-yu of Chinese Taipei, winning in straight games 21-14, 21-18.
Indonesian coach Nova Armada, who mentors both Liek Hou and Fareez, was overjoyed with their strong start at the Games.
“Liek Hou has been solid in his preparations for the Games. He has that champion mentality, so you don’t need to tell him much,” Nova told Scoop.
“However, I am most impressed by Fareez, because it’s a huge upset and a breakthrough for him to defeat Jen-Yu.
“Prior to this, Fareez had lost to him thrice(at the Hangzhou Asia Para Games, World Championships, and Four Nations Para Badminton International).
“Both Liek Hou and Fareez are in excellent condition and are raring to go. The weather is a little hot here, but we’ve been provided with air coolers. So far, things are good.”
World number four Fareez will face Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi, the silver medallist from the Tokyo Paralympics, tomorrow.
Liek Hou is set to play against local shuttler Meril Loquette on Saturday.
Only the top two players from Groups A and B will advance to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, in Group B of the men’s singles SL4 (standing lower) event, Malaysia’s Burhanuddin Amin put up a strong fight but ultimately lost 17-21, 21-15, 22-20 to India’s S. Kadam. Burhanuddin will play Thailand’s Siripong Teamarrom next.
In the men’s doubles WH1-WH2 (wheelchair) Group B, Ikhwan Ramli and Noor Azwan Noorlan fell short in their opening match, losing 17-21, 21-13, 21-16 to Japan’s Daiki Kajiwara and Hiroshi Murayama.
Ikhwan and Noor Azwan will play China’s Mai Jianpeng and Qu Zi Mo next.
Separately Ikhwan will also play in the men’s singles WH1, while Noor Azwan will play in the men’s singles WH2. – August 29, 2024