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Prince Rupert's Adrian Liu wins fourth straight national championship

For the fourth year in a row, one half of the best doubles badminton team in the country hails from Prince Rupert.
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Prince Rupert's Adrian Liu and partner Derrick Ng of Vancouver once again topped the podium at the Canadian National Badminton Championships.

For the fourth year in a row, one half of the best doubles badminton team in the country hails from Prince Rupert.

Adrian Liu, born and raised in Prince Rupert, and his partner Derrick Ng of Vancouver successfully defended their doubles title at the Canadian National Badminton Championships in Calgary earlier this month. The win may be the fourth for the duo, but Liu said that doesn't make it any less special.

"As always the feeling of winning the Canadian National Championships is always a thrill. To win it a fourth time in a row is a blessing and a relief ... it is an amazing feeling just like the previous ones. I can tell you this it doesn't get easier every year as everyone is gunning for that title and to knock you off the top," he said, noting this year he and Ng had to "battle our own emotions" to focus on executing their game plan.

"For some reason this year felt more difficult than the last, possibly because it was hosted on our home courts. I just really wanted to win instead of just focussing on playing."

Liu and Ng are now preparing for the Peru International Challenge in April, but the four-time national champions have a bigger goal in mind for the long-term.

"We are aiming to qualify and compete in the 2016 Rio Olympic games as we were just shy in qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics. We are seeking training overseas as we need some more exposure and sparring. It is tough to get that in Canada since all of the national team is spread out all over the country and we only meet up during tournaments," he said.

"Our next games experience will be the Common Wealth Games which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from July 19 to Aug. 4."

Although a multi-time national champion who competes for his country on the global scale, Liu had certainly not forgotten where he comes from nor the people of Prince Rupert who continue to support him today.

"I would like to just thank everyone back home for your on going support for us. It definitely lifts our spirits through the tough times and brings us joy when you celebrate with us through the good," he said, adding he still speaks with his family on the North Coast "on a daily basis".