KUALA LUMPUR: The successful partnership of Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon has been temporarily disbanded.
The 24-year-old Liu Ying has finally decided to go for a surgery to treat her nagging knee problems. The op on both her knees will rule her out of competition for a minimum of six months.
The damage is more severe on her right knee, which has a meniscus tear and a partial tear on her ligament. There is also a small meniscus tear on her left knee.
Liu Ying said on Friday that it was best for her to go under the knife now – and then work towards getting to peak form for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“It was a tough call … but one I had to make to ensure that I will still have a bright future in badminton,” she said after consulting Dr Gan Eng Cheng of Damansara Specialist Centre.
“I believe that my sacrifice now will eventually yield good results in the future. My ultimate goal is to win a medal at the next Olympic Games. So, for now, surgery seems to be the best option.”
As such, Liu Ying can forget about the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in July. Her participation in the World Championships in Copenhagen in August and the Asian Games in Incheon is also in doubt.
“It all depends on me. I will go for the surgery after the Chinese New Year. Then, I will undergo a six-month rehabilitation programme. I promise I’ll follow it (the rehab programme) diligently.
“Although I will miss months of competition, I’ll probably qualify for the World Championships with Peng Soon. We are ranked sixth in the world and should not suffer a huge drop. Qualifying is not a problem but I’m not sure if I’ll be at my best by then. Let’s wait and see …
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be in a good position to play at least in one major tournament this year.”
Liu Ying also said that she had informed Peng Soon of her decision to go for the op.
“I know that my decision has put Peng Soon in a spot … but he is very understanding. Our coach (Jeremy Gan) is looking for a partner for him and I wish them well,” she said.
Jeremy said that he had a few options for Peng Soon. Among the names bandied about are Lim Yin Loo, Lai Pei Jing and Vivian Hoo.
Pei Jing seems to be the better bet as the duo had formed a winning combination before. Last month, they won the mixed doubles title in the National Grand Prix Finals at Putrajaya.
For the record, Liu Ying-Peng Soon have won four titles in the last five years – 2010 Asian Badminton Championships, 2011 German Open, 2012 Japan Open Super Series and 2012 Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold.
