Badminton: Para shuttler earns Paralympic points after victory in Dubai

PETALING JAYA: Para shuttler Fareez Anuar enhanced his chances of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Paralympics by capturing the Dubai International title.

Fareez rose to the occasion magnificently to stun teammate and reigning Paralympics gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou 21-19, 21-19 in the men’s singles SU5 (upper body impairment) final in his last tournament of the year on Sunday.

The victory was the icing on the cake for the 27-year-old after he had also toppled Indonesia’s Hangzhou Asian Para Games champion Dheva Anrimusthi and his teammate Suryo Nugroho en route to the final.

It was double joy for Fareez after he combined with Liek Hou to win the men’s doubles title by sweeping aside Taiwan’s Fang Jen-yu-Gui Yu-pu 21-1, 21-10.

Fareez was overjoyed after winning his biggest title of the year in the men’s singles.

“This victory is very important for me as this was the last tournament this year for me to collect ranking points for the Paralympics,” said Fareez.

“I’m so thankful as it’s not easy to beat three of the best players in the world.

“I told myself to enjoy every moment on court and this helped me to relax and play well.”

The win gives Fareez a massive boost ahead of the World Championships from Feb 20-25 in Pattaya, Thailand.

The world meet will be the last qualifying tournament for the Paralympics.

“This win does give me some confidence ahead of the world meet,” said Fareez.

“I need to remain humble though and keep working hard to do well in the world meet. My target there is to at least reach the semi-finals.

“My biggest hope is to make the cut for the Paralympics for the first time and I will keep fighting to realise my dream.”

Meanwhile, Liek Hou, who is almost assured of a spot in the Paralympics, was full of praise for his teammate.

“Fareez did very well to win the title as he did not have an easy path to the final,” said Liek Hou.

“I can see that he has improved a lot and I’m happy for him.

“I hope he can keep doing well, so that there can be two Malaysians in the Paralympics.”