GOH V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong produced a remarkable comeback to clinch the Taiwan Open title yesterday.
With their never-say-die attitude, the former World No 1 saved five match points in the 21-19, 15-21, 23-21 victory over South Korea’s Choi Solgyu-Seo Seung Jae in the men’s doubles final.
“It boiled down to patience and confidence,” said V Shem.
“We read the game well and waited patiently for the young Korean pair to make errors. We capitalised on their mistakes and maintained our momentum.
“Wee Kiong and I did not give up. We kept a cool head to win back the points.”
The win was their second this year after the Thailand Masters crown in January.
Having struggled with a number of early-round exits this year, the victory comes as a huge boost for the independent duo who are fighting for a spot in next year’s Tokyo Olympics.
“The main target is to qualify for the Olympics, but we want to take it one step at a time and not rush into things.
“We want to play good badminton and enjoy ourselves in the process,” added V Shem.
The Malaysians pocketed US$39,500 (RM165,000) for their effort while Solgyu-Seung Jae settled for US$19,000 (RM79,000).
V Shem-Wee Kiong will next compete in the China Open (Sep 17-22).
RESULTS (All Finals)
Men’s singles: Chou Tien Chen (Tai) bt Heo Kwang Hee (Kor) 21-12, 21-13;
Doubles: Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong bt Choi Solgyu-Seo Seung Jae (Kor) 21-19, 15-21, 23-21;
Women’s singles: Sung Ji Hyun (Kor) bt Michelle Li (Can) 21-11, 21-9;
Doubles: Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai (Tha) bt Kim So Yeong-Kong Hee Yong 21-19, 18-21, 28-26;
Mixed doubles: Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet (Hkg) bt Seo Seung Jae-Chae Yujung 21-18, 21-10.