Malaysia’s top mixed doubles pair, Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie, maintained their impressive run at the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024, advancing to the quarter-finals with a commanding victory in the second round.
The world-ranked duo delivered a clinical performance to defeat China’s Zhou Zhi Hong and Yang Jia Yi in straight sets, 21-19, 21-11, wrapping up the match in just 35 minutes at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium.
Their journey to the quarter-finals, however, wasn’t without challenges. In the first round, Soon Huat and Shevon faced stiff resistance from Japan’s newly-formed pairing of Yuta Watanabe and Maya Taguchi. After losing the first set, the Malaysian pair showed resilience, bouncing back to win 18-21, 21-12, 21-14 in a thrilling three-set encounter.
Awaiting them in the last eight is either Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa-Natsu Saito or Indonesia’s Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto-Lisa Ayu Kusumawati, both of whom bring unique challenges.
Soon Huat and Shevon, ranked among the top 15 in the world, have been consistent contenders on the BWF circuit this season. With their eyes set on a Kumamoto Masters title, the pair is determined to maintain their form and secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Their performance is a promising sign for Malaysian badminton, showcasing depth and potential in the mixed doubles discipline. Fans eagerly await their quarter-final showdown as the pair continues to fly the Malaysian flag high on the international stage.
Results of Kumamoto Masters 2024 Day 3
Men’s Single (Round of 32)
LEE Zii Jia[5](MAS) win SU Li Yang(TPE) 2-1 (21-19, 8-21, 16-21)
LEONG Jun Hao(MAS) win Koki WATANABE(JPN) 2-1 (21-10, 16-21, 21-13)
Men’s Doubles (Round of 32)
Aaron CHIA-SOH Wooi Yik(MAS) losing to CHIU Hsiang Chieh-WANG Chi-Lin(TPE) 0-2 (21-11, 21-13)
MAN Wei Chong-Kai Wun TEE(MAS) losing to Fajar ALFIAN-Muhammad Rian ARDIANTO[3](IDN) 1-2 (21-17, 19-21, 21-19)
Mixed Doubles (Round of 32)
HOO Pang Ron-CHENG Su Yin(MAS) win Rinov RIVALDY-Pitha Haningtyas MENTARI[7](IDN) 2-1 (18-21, 24-22, 21-10)
WONG Tien Ci-LIM Chiew Sien(MAS) losing to Presley SMITH-Jennie GAI(USA) 1-2 (21-13, 14-21, 16-21)
Nur Azriyn Ayub-TAN Wee Kiong(MAS) win GOH Sze Fei-Nur IZZUDDIN[5](MAS) 2-0 (21-9, 23-21)
Credit Photo : VICTOR Malaysia
