KUALA LUMPUR: With retirement on the horizon, veteran mixed doubles shuttler Chan Peng Soon has been adjusting his goals and aspirations.
Instead of aiming for one final appearance at the Olympics, Peng Soon, 35, now seeks to savour the remaining moments of his career alongside his partner, Cheah Yee See.
Their positive mindset and hard work were rewarded on Sunday when the independent pair clinched the Super 100 KL Masters title at the Titiwangsa Stadium here.
In the final, Peng Soon-Yee See overcame Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul-Phataimas Muenwong 21-9, 17-21, 21-10 for only their second title as a pair.
Their first was the Russian Open crown in 2017.
"I'm very happy to win this title. Although it's just a Super 100, it means a lot to win it on home soil.
"As you all know, I'm retiring next year, and while it was my dream to make one final appearance at the Olympics, I've had to readjust my targets.
"It's going to be extremely difficult for me and Yee See to qualify now.
"However, there are still tournaments to look forward to. For now, we want to enjoy ourselves and try to give our best, at least until the end of the Olympic qualifying period next year (April)," said Peng Soon, who is best remembered for winning the Olympic silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games with his then-partner Goh Liu Ying.
Yee See also expressed similar feelings.
"When we last won a title, it was different. Back then, I had a long future ahead of me, and there was plenty to improve on.
"But my partner is going to retire soon. I just want to enjoy every match with him," added Yee See.
Exactly one year ago, Peng Soon-Yee See left the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to turn professional.
They now train alongside other independent players but are not associated with any independent coaches, including Rosman Razak and Teo Kok Siang.