Rashid Sidek is optimistic Cheah Liek Hou can fulfill his lifelong dream of winning a Paralympics gold in Tokyo (Aug 24-Sept 5) if he can turn the tables on world champion Dheva Andrimusthi of Indonesia again,
Liek Hou, 33, was on a five-match losing streak when he turned to Rashid for guidance early last year, and made a breakthrough by beating the Indonesian World No 1 in the SU5 (standing/upper limb impairment) category at the Brazil Para International.
The duo did not cross swords until the Dubai Para International in May where world No 2 Liek Hou once again came out tops after a three-game battle. This has led to the Malaysian heading for Tokyo with confidence.
Liek Hou, who added the Spanish Para title to his collection a few weeks later, has had a solid three-month final phase of training under Rashid at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.
And Rashid believes the shuttler is ready for his golden pursuit.
The badminton draw will be conducted on Aug 26 where the 23-year-old Dheva and Liek Hou will be placed in two different groups of eight players.
"Dheva will be the player to beat in Tokyo, and the pressure will be on him. Liek Hou will be the second seed and the underdog tag will suit him fine as he chases gold," said Rashid.
"Although Suryo (Nugroho) is the other Indonesian player who could pose some threat, Liek Hou should be able to handle him.
"Dheva is younger but Liek Hou has got plenty of experience on the international stage. The Indonesian used to beat him regularly but things have changed since Liek Hou started training full-time.
"As long as Liek Hou can top his group, he is likely to avoid a semi-final showdown against Dheva.
"Their last two meetings were very close, and it could be another cracker if they meet again in Tokyo. Liek Hou just needs to be focused."
