Independent coach Nova Armada had plenty to celebrate over the weekend as two of his charges returned to winning ways in impressive fashion.
Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin ended a long wait for a title at the Vietnam Open, while para badminton star Cheah Liek Hou marked his return from a three-month competitive break by winning two titles at the Japan Para International.
World No. 91 Aidil produced one of the biggest results of his career in Ho Chi Minh City, defeating Singapore's world No. 33 and top seed Jason Teh 21-16, 21-14 in the final.
The victory was Aidil's first World Tour title and his first tournament triumph since winning the Sri Lanka International Challenge in March last year.
For Nova, the victory was particularly important because Aidil had struggled mentally following a disappointing Thomas Cup Finals campaign in Denmark.
“It has been tough for Aidil since the Thomas Cup. It really affected him mentally,” Nova said.
The coach revealed that they had spent the past three months working on rebuilding Aidil's confidence. With the 26-year-old now back among the winners, Nova believes bigger achievements are possible.
“I hope to see him break into the top 30,” he said.
While Aidil was celebrating in Vietnam, Nova was in Tokyo guiding Cheah Liek Hou at the Japan Para International.
The 38-year-old para badminton star returned to competition after three months away and immediately captured the men's SU5 singles and doubles titles.
Source: Malay Mail
Liek Hou defeated Japan's Taiyo Imai 21-13, 21-11 in the singles final before teaming up with Mohd Faris Ahmad Azri to beat the Indian-Singaporean combination of Chirag Baretha and Tay Wei Ming 21-15, 21-15 in the doubles decider.
The Malaysian last competed at the French Para Badminton International in June, where he also won both titles with Faris.
Nova believes the Tokyo success shows Liek Hou is on course for another strong campaign at next month's Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, which will be held from October 18 to 24.
“He is right on track for the Para Asian Games,” Nova said, adding that Liek Hou appeared to be at the right level for the tournament after his return.
Liek Hou will be aiming to reclaim the singles and doubles gold medals he last won at the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon.
With Aidil rebuilding his confidence and Liek Hou back to winning form, Nova's rare double success has provided plenty of encouragement ahead of the major challenges still to come.
.jpg)
