KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles player, Chan Peng Soon has described this year as a year that has given him a different kind of satisfaction, even though in terms of results in tournaments and championships, it has not really been in his favour.
After having to temporarily split from regular partner Goh Liu Ying for eight months because of her niggling shoulder injury which required her to undergo an operation, Peng Soon was given a new role in guiding young and upcoming players through experience as he took part in international tournaments with two new young partners.
He was partnered with Cheah Yee See and Peck Yen Wei for a few tournaments.
However, it was the Peng Soon-Yee See combination that stood out as they managed to achieve some very good results including winning the Russia Open, apart from making it to the semi-finals of the Denmark Open and Macau Open.
“Based on results, this year has not been a really good one what more when I had to split with my regular partner Liu Ying. However, I managed to gain new experiences when given the responsibility of guiding the younger players.
“It gave me a different kind of satisfaction when I could see an improvement in performance that was shown by the young players that I partnered and helped guide. As an example, Yee See now plays better especially competing in the Purple League which is currently ongoing.
“It’s not to say that I am very good, but whatever experience that I have garnered, I readily share with them (younger players) and I am very happy that it has benefitted them, and this is the satisfaction that I get,” said Peng Soon.
Beginning next year, Peng Soon will return to partner Liu Ying and the first tournament for them will most likely be the Malaysia Masters scheduled to take place from January 16 to 21 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
“I am eager to get back in action with Liu Ying. I just hope that we can rediscover our good form that brought us success before this,” said Peng Soon who together with Liu Ying won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.