Japan Open: Super title for mixed doubles pair

CHAN Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying took full advantage of the absence of China's mixed doubles to win their first Super Series crown in the Japan Open yesterday.

Chan Peng Soon (back) and Goh Liu Ying beat Muhammad Rijal-Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-12, 21-19 to win the mixed doubles crown in the Japan Open yesterday.

The Malaysians, seeded top, defeated Muhammad Rijal-Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-12, 21-19 in 33 minutes for their second title of the year after having clinched the Malaysia Open grand prix gold in May.
The victory was also a consolation after their dismal Olympic debut which saw them losing all their group matches in straight games.
Yesterday's victory will also help them break into the world  top five this week. They are currently ranked World No 7.
Peng Soon said: "I'm very happy to win my first Super Series title. We will certainly work harder and continue improving our performance on the international stage."
Coach Jeremy Gan said Peng Soon-Liu Ying executed their game plan well against Rijal-Liliyana, and the victory should motivate them to do better.
"They planned their game well and only made a few mistakes at the net. Overall, their combination has been improving and it is also important for them be mature in their performance."
It was their fourth career title. Peng Soon-Liu Ying won the 2010 Asian Championships and last year's Bitburger Open.
Courtesy of New Straits Times