National mixed doubles stars Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie delighted thousands of fans at the Axiata Arena as they clinched a hard-fought victory in the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2025 quarter-finals.
Their win not only demonstrated grit and determination but also marked the first time since 2019 that a Malaysian mixed doubles pair has reached the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.
Despite battling health challenges earlier in the tournament, Shevon Lai delivered an exceptional performance alongside her partner Soon Huat, defeating the Chinese pair Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi in straight sets, 21-15, 22-20, in a thrilling 47-minute encounter.
Shevon, who had admitted to not being at full fitness due to a fever during the earlier rounds, showed remarkable resilience, combining her strategic play with Soon Huat’s precision to secure the win.
The Malaysian duo started strongly in the first set, showcasing dominance and composure to take the game 21-15 in just 18 minutes.
However, the second set proved to be a much closer affair, with the Chinese pair mounting a fierce challenge. Tied at 20-20 in a tense battle, Soon Huat and Shevon drew on their experience to edge ahead, sealing a nail-biting 22-20 victory and earning their place in the semi-finals.
This victory extends the pair’s head-to-head record against Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi to 3-2. Their past successes, including winning the Swiss Open and Malaysia Masters, and finishing as runners-up at the China Open, proved invaluable in handling high-pressure moments.
Awaiting them in the semi-finals is the formidable Thai duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran, currently ranked seventh in the world. The Thai pair earlier secured their spot with a 21-12, 14-21, 21-7 victory over France’s Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue.
The match promises to be a high-octane clash, with Soon Huat and Shevon needing to bring their A-game to overcome the experienced Thai pair.
The achievement also marks a significant milestone for Malaysian badminton, as it is the first time since Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing in 2019 that a homegrown mixed doubles team has advanced to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open.
The victory at the Axiata Arena not only boosts the pair’s confidence but also ignites hopes among Malaysian fans for a potential title run.
As the electrifying crowd roared in support, Soon Huat and Shevon proved why they are one of Malaysia’s most celebrated mixed doubles pairs. Their determination and ability to rise above challenges have inspired fans and reinforced their status as strong contenders in the tournament.
With the semi-finals just around the corner, all eyes will be on Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai as they aim to continue their remarkable journey in front of their home crowd.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
