Peng Soon, in a heartfelt Instagram post last night, said the decision to break up was not easy.

“We fail, we succeed, and we grow together. Thank you everyone who always come to support me and Liu Ying and stay with us throughout these 13 years of our badminton career,” he said.

Earlier, Liu Ying announced on Facebook they were pulling out from the World Championships just six days before it kicks off in Huelva, Spain.

Lamenting their decision to withdraw, the 32-year-old cited age, fitness and increasing Covid-19 cases as factors behind the pullout.

It means that the BWF World Tour Finals 2021 was their last tournament as partners.

The world No 9 pair lost to Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-8, 21-18 in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Peng Soon, 33, received a flurry of warm messages from the badminton fraternity including friends and former foes following the announcement.

Indonesian shuttler Liliyana Natsir, who defeated Peng Soon-Liu Ying in the Rio 2016 final with her partner Tontowi Ahmad, described the Malaysian shuttlers as sporty, formidable and friendly opponents.

“You and Liu Ying are part of the history of my highest achievement at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Good luck in the future brother,” she said.

Lee Chong Wei and Tokyo 2020 men’s doubles bronze medallist Aaron Chia wished the duo luck in their future endeavours while the BWF official account left a sad face emoji in the comment section.

Apart from that historic silver medal in 2016, Peng Soon-Liu Ying clinched gold in the mixed team event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.

They also won 12 titles and reached their highest ever world ranking of third in 2013.