Awesome flick: Professional shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Lai Shevon Jemie continues to shine in the Malaysian Open. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie continued their fantastic form to reach the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open to the delight of the home fans.
Soon Huat-Shevon played brilliantly to beat China’s world No. 11 Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi 21-15, 22-20 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Friday (Jan 10).
The world No. 6 independent pair became the first homesters to reach the last four in the Malaysian Open since the tournament was upgraded from World Tour Super 750 to 1000 status in 2023.
And first pair to make the last four stage after Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing's effort in 2019.
It's the best result for the pair as they have never cleared the early rounds of the previous editions in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
A fresher looking Shevon was elated.
"Of course, I feel very happy and honoured to reach the semi-finals in our home ground, in front of our fans, family and friends," said Shevon, who is recovering from illness.
"So, it is an honor for us to be able to continue fighting for Malaysia in this tournament."
Soon Huat-Shevon will next take on Japan Masters champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran of Thailand on Saturday (Jan 11) for a place in the final.
Dechapol, who is also the 2021 world champion with former partner Sapsiree Taerattanachai, combined with Supissara after the Paris Olympics last August.
