Badminton

Veterans Soon Huat-Shevon set to hit career-high No. 4 ranking

KUALA LUMPUR: Independent mixed doubles Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai are proving that age is just a number as they prepare to reach a career-high world ranking of No. 4 on Tuesday.

Soon Huat, 35, and Shevon, 32, who reached the semi-finals at last week's Malaysia Open, will also become the oldest pair among the current pairs to break into the top four.

Adding to Malaysia's joy, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. also semi-finalists at the Malaysia Open, will rise from No. 5 to No. 3, but the achievement of Soon Huat-Shevon stands out due to their age and status as professionals.

Despite falling to eventual champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paesampran of Thailand in the Malaysia Open semi-finals, Shevon is satisfied with their performance.

The duo will now shift their focus to the India Open, where they face Indonesia's new pairing of Rinov Rivaldi and Lisa Ayu Kusumawati in the first round.

"What a crazy week it has been at the Malaysia Open. I can't begin to express our joy at winning a medal for Malaysia on home soil," said Shevon.

"Dechapol's experience and familiarity with our game made the difference. Now, it's about resting and recovering before our match against Rinov-Lisa in India."

Shevon's resilience at the Axiata Arena was remarkable, as she battled through the tournament while recovering from flu, proving that the husband-and-wife duo can overcome setbacks.

Soon Huat-Shevon had a stellar 2024 season, highlighted by titles at the Malaysia Masters and Swiss Open, as well as a runner-up finish at the China Open.

Since their breakthrough at the China Open, a Super 1000 event, they have reached the semi-finals in four of six tournaments, including the Malaysia Open.

Given their current form and a favourable draw, the Malaysian veterans are tipped to reach the semi-finals at the India Open in New Delhi this week.

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