Kuala Lumpur: Goh Liu Ying’s career may have ended in a defeat on Wednesday, but the standing ovation Goh and her partner Chan Peng Soon received after their 2023 Malaysia Open first-round match was the appreciation from the fans to the unique, indelible mark she left on the sport of badminton, especially for the mixed doubles category of Malaysian badminton.
Goh and Chan Peng Soon had to concede on Wednesday when they lost to the Indonesian pair, Rehal Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati 21-18, 15-21, 7-21 in 58 minutes at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
Highlights of Goh Liu Ying/Chan Peng Soon vs. Rehal Naufal/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati
(source: Astro Arena)
The seemingly endless rounds of applause and chants from the crowd “Goh Liu Ying, Goh Liu Ying, Goh Liu Ying,” was a very touching moment both for the fans and for Goh as well.
Goh and Chan started their career in 2008 also at the Malaysia Open, where they lost their second qualifying match to Tsai Chia Hsin/Chieh Cheng Shao of Taiwan 21-18-, 12-21, 16-21.
The pair has won a total of 12 international titles since 2008, and of course, the most important title of their career was winning the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medal.
They also emerged as runners-up in several major tournaments including twice at the Malaysian Open (2013, 2016) as well as 2017 All England.
“Too many memories between me and Peng Soon, of course, those were the most beautiful memory for me,” said Goh.
“I would like to thank all the Malaysian badminton fans who have given me and Peng Soon a lot of support no matter whether we win or lose. I hope everyone will continue to support the sport of badminton,” added Goh.
“For now, I am going to retire first, and I want to wish Peng Soon all the best,” continued Goh.
Post-game interview of Goh Liu Ying/Chan Peng Soon:
(source: pocketimes)
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) also compiled a YouTube playlist on Wednesday which contained a lot of matches played by Goh Liu Ying/Chan Peng Soon. Here’s the link to the playlist:
Meanwhile, young Malaysian mixed doubles pair – Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei pulled off an upset on Wednesday by beating compatriots and World No. 6 Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing 21-15, 21-10 in the first round and will meet Kusharjanto/Kusumawati in the second round.
