KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has already secured a spot in the finals of the mixed doubles event at the Malaysia Masters, with two pairs of national players set to compete in the semi-finals tomorrow.
Professional duo Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai will face off against compatriots Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei to vie for a place in the finals.
Soon Huat and Shevon managed to overcome the Indonesian pair Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto and Lisa Ayu Kusumawati with a score of 12-21, 21-17, 21-17 after a gruelling 70 minute battle today.
However, the victory came at a cost as Soon Huat suffered injuries to his right wrist and waist during the second set.
“Although Soon Huat endured pain earlier, we managed to maintain our composure, but at the same time, we were also worried because his injury seemed serious. Fortunately, Soon Huat was able to finish the match.
“As for tomorrow’s match, we’ve faced Tang Jie and Ee Wei several times before, and each match promises tough competition. Although we won our last encounter with them, every day is a new beginning.
“The conditions and atmosphere of the court are always different. What’s most important is that whoever wins tomorrow, Malaysia will qualify for the final match,” said Shevon.
Their opponents, Tang Jie and Ee Wei, have also displayed impressive form, emerging victorious in two out of three previous encounters.
Moreover, Tang Jie and Ee Wei are regarded as top contenders for the championship title.
This ninth ranked pair in the world secured their place in the semi-finals by defeating another Malaysian duo, Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing, with a score of 21-19, 21-14.
“For us, our coach often reminds us, especially about our weaknesses in terms of mentality, and this is what we are currently working on through discussions on the court.
“For us, whoever our opponents are, we will just prepare our game strategy,” Tang Jie. – May 24, 2024
