Latest news with #SoonHuat
New Straits Times
a day 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
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Kok Siang sets more realistic targets for Goh-Izzuddin, Goh-Shevon
PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 men's doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie have been set a realistic target at the Japan Open - to at least reach the quarter-finals. Professional doubles coach Teo Kok Siang believes the goal is appropriate for now, especially with Sze Fei-Izzuddin returning as the defending champions. All eyes will be on the top seeds, who not only bear the weight of expectations but also need to avoid an early exit to protect their position at the top of the world rankings. 'This is a Super 750-level tournament, there's no such thing as an easy or difficult draw. What I can say is we'll keep fighting, and their preparations have gone well. Based on the draw, I believe we have a good chance,' said Kok Siang when contacted. 'What's important is that they have the hunger. They won this event last year, and I hope they can retain the title. 'Of course, everyone wants to be champion, but more importantly, I want them to enjoy their matches. For now, getting past the quarter-finals is the focus, we'll take it step by step.'' The same expectations have been placed on Soon Huat-Shevon. Kok Siang confirmed that Soon Huat is now fully fit and ready for the Japan Open before heading to Changzhou for the China Open next week. Soon Huat had been struggling with a series of injuries to his hips and legs which had affected his performances in recent tournaments. 'I hope Soon Huat and Shevon can be more consistent with their gameplay. Soon Huat is fully recovered and has no major issues. I just hope his past injuries don't return,' added Kok Siang. Sze Fei-Izzuddin got off to a strong start, brushing aside Canada's Kevin Lee-Ty Alexander Lindeman 21-13, 21-15 in just 23 minutes in their opening-round match yesterday. They will meet the winners of the tie between Japan's Hiroki Midorikawa-Kyohei Yamashita and Taiwan's Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Wang Chi-lin in the second round tomorrow. Also progressing were Nur Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong, who fought back from a game down to edge French siblings Christo and Toma Junior Popov 13-21, 21-17, 21-19. However, it was a short-lived debut for young women's pair Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting, who fell 21-17, 8-21, 8-21 to Japan's Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi in the first round. Soon Huat-Shevon are set to open their campaign today against Thailand's Ruttanapak Oupthong-Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat.
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.
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.
The Star
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Shevon hits back at armchair critics for lack of understanding
National mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Shevon Lai Jemie rarely responds to criticism, but this time, she could no longer hold back her feelings. Known for her cheerful and friendly personality, Shevon was clearly disheartened by remarks from a handful of fans aimed at her and husband Goh Soon Huat after they missed out on a semi-final spot at the Singapore Open, following a defeat to Thailand's Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran on Friday. Top seeds at the tournament, Soon Huat-Shevon fell 19-21, 22-20, 21-17, a loss that drew jeers from some fans on social media. In a post on her personal social media page, Shevon invited those who criticised her to come and train with them, even suggesting they pair up with Soon Huat to see just how challenging it really is. "If you guys wanna keep condemning me for not having initiative to find the shots, and feel I am letting Soon Huat run the entire court himself on purpose, please speak to @gohsoonhuat, and come train with us, I will let you feel how is it when I look for the shuttle. "And I am more than happy to let you partner @gohsoonhuat. You take my position and see how it feels," posted Shevon on her social media. The truth is, Soon Huat suffered an injury during the first set of the match, forcing them to adjust their playing style for the following games. Adding to their challenges, Soon Huat had only just recovered from leg injury when he returned to action at the Malaysian Masters last week. Soon Huat-Shevon were champions of the 2018 Singapore Open, where they defeated the top Indonesian pair at the time, Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir. The world No. 5 pair will have a chance to redeem themselves when they compete at the Indonesian Open next Tuesday. Ironically, Soon Huat and Shevon will face another Thai pair, Sapsiree Taerattanachai, who was previously partnered with Dechapol. However, the 2021 world champion is now teamed up with Phuwanat Horbanluekit, and they too are striving to make a breakthrough.
