Mixed doubles pair Soon Huat-Shevon claim historic win in German Open

PETALING JAYA: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie lived up to their status as the top mixed doubles pair in the country by winning the German Open title.

Third seeds Soon Huat-Shevon fended a late challenge by Denmark's Niclas Nohr-Sara Thygesen to prevail with a 21-14, 22-20 win in the mixed doubles final in Mulheim on Sunday.

They now become the first Malaysian mixed doubles pair to have won a title in the German Open tournament.

Shevon is over the moon.

"I can't really describe the feeling ... lots of emotions going on right now but I'm happy for sure," said a delighted Shevon.

"Soon Huat and I are indebted to our coaches (Chin Eei Hui, Pang Cheh Chang and Teo Kok Siang) and ISN (National Sports Institute) experts for helping us to be in our best condition.

"We knew we had the chance after reaching the final as we have beaten the Danish pair before.

"We were eager to win and fortunately, past experiences taught us to pull ourselves together.

"We calmed down and we went on to win the match and Malaysia's first title in the German Open," she added.

On Saturday (March 10), they battled against South Koreans Choi Solgyu-Chae Yoo-jung for a stunning 23-21, 23-25, 21-13 win in the semi-finals while the Danish pair pulled off a big upset by beating China's He Jiting-Du Yue 21-19, 19-21, 21-17 in another semi-final match.

It is Soon Huat-Shevon's third international title but a first for this year.

They bagged the Malaysian International Challenge and the Scottish Open in 2016 - just a month after being paired up together.

The world No. 10 Soon Huat-Shevon will now head to the All-England brimming with confidence. The prestigious tournament begins on Wednesday in Birmingham and they duo have been drawn to meet local stars Chris Adcock-Gabrielle Adcock in the first round.