Cheah Liek Hou’s decision to prioritise his physical recovery paid off as he secured a historic double victory at the Para World Championships in Bahrain on Saturday.

The 38-year-old captured his 15th and 16th world titles at the Isa Sports City in Manama , just weeks after failing to win the men’s singles and doubles SU5 finals at the Asean Para Games (APG) in Thailand.

Liek Hou previously said he struggled with recovery and exhaustion in Nakhon Ratchasima, noting that age posed challenges against younger rivals.

Poor sleep, unsuitable food, and subpar facilities during the APG also disrupted his preparation.

This prompted the two-time Paralympic champion to avoid pushing his limits with the World Championships scheduled only days later.

“I didn’t want to force myself too much at the APG because the World Championships were only about a week later,” he said when contacted.

The strategy proved successful as Liek Hou first claimed his ninth men’s singles SU5 crown with a 21-6, 21-11 victory over Taiwan’s world No. 3 Fang Jen Yu.

The win made him the first Malaysian to secure nine world singles titles, defending the crown he won in Pattaya two years ago.

The achievement places Liek Hou as Malaysia’s most successful athlete in an individual event, surpassing squash legend Nicol David’s individual world titles.

“This title is very important to me because I managed to defend it and become the first Malaysian to win nine world titles,” he said.

Liek Hou later returned to the court to clinch his seventh men’s doubles SU5 crown.

Partnering Faris Ahmad Azri, the world No. 28 pair defeated Taiwan’s Fang Jen Yu-Pu Gui Yu 23-21, 21-13.

“I am very proud of myself because I managed to maintain my condition throughout the six or seven days of competition and use the right strategy in both finals,” he added.