Seasoned Soon Huat-Shevon show no signs of slowing down

New Straits Times

05-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Age is just a number, and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai are proving it with every step they take on court.
In a sport where the physical demands are relentless and younger rivals emerge every year, the Malaysian mixed doubles duo continue to defy expectations with their consistency and class.
On Thursday, the world No. 5 turned in another composed performance, dispatching Indonesia's Amri Syahnawi-Nita Violina Marwah 21-12, 21-17 to book their place in the Indonesia Open quarter-finals.
This sets up an all-too-familiar clash with Thailand's world No. 6 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran — a sixth meeting this year between the two pairs — with the Thais having won four, including last week's Singapore Open en route to the title.
While another showdown looms, what stands out most is not just the tactical battle ahead — but how Soon Huat, 34, and Shevon, 31, have managed to remain among the elite for so long.
Having partnered since 2016, the duo have quietly built one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in world badminton.
Their on-court chemistry is no surprise — the pair are also husband and wife — having tied the knot last year. That bond, built over years of competition and shared goals, has been the foundation of their longevity and success.
Their recent record is a reflection of their remarkable consistency.
With Thursday's win, Soon Huat-Shevon have now reached at least the quarter-finals in 15 of their last 21 tournaments over the past 12 months.
In that period, they have also clinched the 2024 Malaysia Masters title, finished runners-up at the 2024 China Open and were semi-finalists on five occasions, including a standout run at the 2024 World Tour Finals.
"It's not easy to maintain this level," said Soon Huat.
"It really comes down to our commitment and discipline. We've got to be smart and specific with our training — on court, off court, our recovery, even our diet and rest."
Shevon added: "We can't be like before — sleep at 2 or 3am and still wake up like a tiger the next morning. Now it's different!"
Their secret weapon? A coach who understands the nuances of keeping veteran athletes in peak shape.
"We're lucky to have Teo Kok Siang as our coach," said Shevon.
"He doesn't stick to one kind of training. He's always thinking of new methods, studying how other teams improve, and tailoring things to suit us. That innovation has really helped us evolve and mature in our game."
Despite the inevitable physical toll, the duo are showing that age can bring not just experience, but results.
"We don't just aim to win," said Shevon.
"We focus on being consistent in every game. That mindset helps us stay grounded, to enjoy the process, not just chase results."
Soon Huat-Shevon will need every bit of that experience and mindset when they next take on Dechapol-Supissara in what promises to be another high-stakes encounter.
"We lost to them last week, but we'll prepare and fight again," said Soon Huat.