Latest news with #Shevon
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Soon Huat-Shevon stopped by China's world No.2 pair
KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Lai's bid to reach the Japan Open semi-finals ended in heartbreak once again, as the world No. 6 mixed doubles fell to defending champions Jiang Zhen Bang–Wei Ya Xin of China today. The Malaysian husband-and-wife team went down 21-13, 23-21 in the quarter-finals — their eighth defeat in nine encounters against the formidable world No. 2 pair. Soon Huat–Shevon showed fighting spirit in the second game, clawing back from 14-18 down to hold game point at 20-19, but were unable to convert as the Chinese duo held firm to close out the match. Their defeat also dashed hopes of an all-Malaysian semi-final, following earlier progress by compatriots Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei. The loss continues a frustrating trend for Soon Huat–Shevon, who have now exited in the quarter-finals in eight of their last nine tournaments. It underlined their consistency in reaching the latter stages, but also their struggle to break through to the next level.
The Star
23-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soon Huat-Shevon hope new base will have quality courts, cooling system
KUALA LUMPUR: The new venue for the professional shuttlers has not been finalised yet but mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie hope it will come with quality courts and cooling system. A new training base is one of the facilities that pros Soon Huat-Shevon and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will enjoy under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who also chairs the RTG committee, had shared that plans were underway to provide independent players with a more conducive training venue to boost their preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Currently, the two pairs train at Pioneer Badminton Centre in Endah Parade along with other professional players under coach Teo Kok Siang. 'We are still waiting for the RTG committee to inform us directly on the plans for a new training centre for independent players. It's good to know about this initiative,' said Soon Huat after a training session at Endah Parade yesterday. 'So far, we have been training here for more than three years.' Shevon said: 'The facilities here are not too bad. We have rubber courts and fans but if you are saying high level facilities, then it's good to have high quality court flooring and cooling system. 'Court flooring is very important because badminton is a very high impact sport and as we train every day, definitely this will affect our bodies. 'We also need good cooling system and ventilation because it does effect your endurance when you train. 'In a cooler place, you can probably train a bit longer compared to a place that is hot. Probably this will help us a bit,' added Shevon. Soon Huat-Shevon also said that it will be better for the training centre to be in a private space rather than a mall. 'If you were to ask overall, anyone will definitely prefer a private space because that will mean that it is yours alone,' said Shevon. 'Sometimes we will have to consider that it's a public space and people have a right to rent the court as well, so it's difficult if we need extra time for training. 'For us, it's quite limited. Anything extra, we will have to think about the cost too. 'Then, in terms of accessibility, it's good if the centre is located in Kuala Lumpur as everyone is based here.' Soon Huat-Shevon, who are currently ranked No. 6 in the world, will next compete in the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Fired up for LA
Eye on Olympics: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie officially joined the elite programme after signing their contracts yesterday. PETALING JAYA: Most athletes wind down their careers in their 30s, but professional shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie are doing the opposite. Instead of easing off, the mixed doubles pair are stepping on the gas – fuelled by their inclusion in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme as they chase their dream of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 34-year-old Soon Huat, and Shevon, 31, officially joined the elite programme yesterday alongside men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani after signing their contracts. The programme offers vital support to help them compete at the highest level. Currently, Soon Huat-Shevon are ranked sixth in the world while Sze Fei-Izzuddin are holding the world No. 1 spot. They have to maintain their standing in the top 10 to enjoy the benefits that comes with RTG and Soon Huat and Shevon, who are the oldest under the programme, are not backing down. 'We are honoured to still have the opportunity to be part of the programme,' said Shevon. 'For us the important part of being in RTG isn't just the funding support, but also accessibility to top tier sport science facilities and expertise, which means a lot to us.' Shevon said their goal would remain the same. 'With or without the programme, we still aim high. We have always given our best, so I think we will just maintain that mindset,' she said. Said Soon Huat: 'We appreciate the support from RTG to help us elevate our performance and promise to give our best. A big thank you to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Datuk Stuart Ramalingam (project coordinator) for making this happen.' Coach Teo Kok Siang believes RTG will ease the burden faced by his professional players, especially when competing overseas. 'Being pros, we used our own funds. Usually, we could not stay in the official hotel as they are expensive and we have to travel on our own to the venues,' said Kok Siang. 'We also have been choosy with our tournaments as it's all related to cost. 'Now, with this RTG support, the team can stay focused as they work to keep their ranking and chase big goals this year. 'It will surely motivate our pro players to keep pushing forward.' The others in the RTG are shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (men's doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles), Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles); weightlifter Mohd Aniq Kasdan; track cyclist Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri; and squash player S. Sivasangari.
The Star
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cool comfort of Camerons might just be the tonic Soon Huat-Shevon need
Tough luck: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie react after losing to Denmark's Mads Vestergaard-Christine Busch in the first round of the Malaysian Masters last month. PETALING JAYA: A quiet holiday in Cameron Highlands could do the trick for mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie to return on a high for the second half of a hectic season. After going through a rollercoaster ride in the first six months, Soon Huat-Shevon are aiming for a more stable show for the rest of the season. They have 11 tournaments lined up for them, which will start with the Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. Shevon is appreciative of the short break with husband and few friends to shrug off physical and mental lethargy. 'The beginning of the year was good, but the last few tour stops weren't so good. We've taken a short break last week to recuperate,' said Shevon. They lost in the first round of the Malaysian Masters and reached the quarter-finals of the back-to-back Singapore and Indonesian Opens. They did well in January by reaching the semi-finals of the Malaysian and Indian Opens. 'We aim to return refreshed as we have a hectic start ... we'll be playing in 11 tournaments in six months.' 'Our goal is to improve our ranking and put up a more consistent showing.' The duo are ranked sixth in the world, lying three rungs below Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. At one point, the professionals who train under coach Teo Kok Siang, were ranked as the country's top pair. Shevon said their main goal in the second half is to shine at the World Championships in Paris in August. 'Hopefully, we will make it a good one at this year's worlds,' added Shevon. They have featured in the world meet four times and their best was a quarter-final finish at the 2022 edition in Tokyo. At the last edition in Copenhagen in 2023, they crashed out in the third round.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Seasoned Soon Huat-Shevon show no signs of slowing down
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.
