Chan Peng Soon (born 9 May 1988) is a Malaysian professional badminton player. He is primarily known for his partnership with Goh Liu Ying in mixed doubles, with whom he achieved significant international success, including winning a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. They were one of Malaysia's most successful mixed doubles pairs, reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 3.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Chan Peng Soon was born in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. He began playing badminton at a young age and showed early promise. He joined the national badminton squad and specialized in doubles disciplines, eventually focusing on mixed doubles.
Partnership with Goh Liu Ying
Chan Peng Soon formed a long-standing and highly successful mixed doubles partnership with Goh Liu Ying. Their partnership began in 2008, and over the years, they developed a strong on-court chemistry, characterized by Chan's aggressive front-court play and smashes, complemented by Goh's steady defense and backcourt coverage.
Major Achievements with Goh Liu Ying
- 2016 Summer Olympics (Rio de Janeiro): Won a historic silver medal in mixed doubles, becoming the first Malaysian mixed doubles pair to reach an Olympic final.
- Commonwealth Games:
- 2010 (Delhi): Bronze medal
- 2018 (Gold Coast): Silver medal
- Asian Championships:
- 2012 (Qingdao): Gold medal
- BWF World Tour / Superseries / Grand Prix Gold titles: Won numerous titles throughout their career, including the Malaysia Open, New Zealand Open, and various other circuit events.
The pair experienced several injury setbacks, particularly Goh Liu Ying, which often disrupted their momentum. Despite these challenges, they consistently returned to top-level competition. They announced the end of their partnership after the 2021 BWF World Tour Finals.
Post-Goh Liu Ying Partnerships
After the split from Goh Liu Ying, Chan Peng Soon continued his career, forming new partnerships with different players, including Cheah Yee See and Valeree Siow. While he continued to compete on the BWF World Tour, he did not reach the same level of consistent success as he did with Goh Liu Ying.
Playing Style
Chan Peng Soon is known for his aggressive and attacking style of play. As the male partner in mixed doubles, he typically covers the front and mid-court, focusing on swift net play, strong smashes, and intercepting shots to create opportunities for points. His quick reflexes and tactical awareness are key aspects of his game.
Retirement
Chan Peng Soon officially announced his retirement from international badminton at the end of 2023, marking the end of a decorated career that spanned over a decade and a half.
Major Career Highlights
| Tournament | Year(s) | Medal | Partner | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 2016 | Silver | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| Commonwealth Games | 2010 | Bronze | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| 2018 | Silver | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles | |
| Asia Badminton Championships | 2012 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| Sudirman Cup | 2021 | Bronze | National Team | Mixed Team |
| Malaysia Open (Superseries) | 2018 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| Thailand Open (Grand Prix) | 2012 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| New Zealand Open (Grand Prix) | 2017 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| German Open (Grand Prix) | 2011 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| Bitburger Open (Grand Prix) | 2010 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
| Macau Open (Grand Prix) | 2010 | Gold | Goh Liu Ying | Mixed Doubles |
See Also
- Goh Liu Ying
- Badminton in Malaysia
- Malaysia at the Summer Olympics