Chance for others to capitalise on ace pair’s exit

Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying’s decision to quit the BA of Malaysia (BAM) will open the door for more national mixed doubles pairs to fight for tickets to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

National mixed doubles head coach, Pang Cheh Chang said the situation will promote healthy competition among the remaining pairs, motivating them to compete against the more experienced Peng Soon-Liu Ying, who have decided to turn professional.

“Of course, there will be healthy competition. Sports is all about the challenge, even if we have to fight among ourselves, because in the end, only the best qualifies.

“If there is no competition, how are these players going to improve? Back in 2016 our men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong had to compete with then professionals Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong for a place in the Rio Olympic Games.

“In the end, V Shem-Wee Kiong made the cut and went on to win silver. The situation right now is similar to that. I believe all players will give their best to qualify for the Olympics,” said Cheh Chang yesterday.

In their absence, BAM are left with four mixed doubles — World No 11 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing (24), Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei (34) and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See (61).

Cheh Chang believes all four pairs have an equal chance of making the cut for the Olympics provided they work hard towards it.