Malaysia Open: Goh’s Special Sign-Off
It was fitting that Goh Liu Ying’s final match as a professional shuttler was a three-gamer in front of her adoring home crowd at PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2023.
· PREM KUMAR
An extra game meant extra opportunities for the fans at Axiata Arena to fete the darling of the day. Every shuttle retrieved, every shot hit, every point earned was cheered with gusto. Defeat could not be avoided but an emotional Goh exited the court to what seemed like eternal adulation.
The 33-year-old didn’t quite get over the line; she and old partner Chan Peng Soon, reunited for one last dance, fell 21-18 15-21 7-21 to up-and-coming Indonesians Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati. Chan and Goh, once the world’s third best mixed pair, had ended their 13-year partnership in December 2021.
“My final match being in Malaysia is really special. I felt proud hearing the crowd chant my name. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to represent Malaysia one final time,” said a choked up Goh.