V Shem’s not slowing down as he aims to fast-track younger partner’s progress

Mentor: Goh V Shem (back) formed a partnership with Boon Xin Yuan last month.

PETALING JAYA: Independent men’s doubles shuttler Goh V Shem is happy to play the role of mentor for his younger partner Boon Xin Yuan.

The 34-year-old V Shem formed a new partnership last month with Xin Yuan, who is 10 years his junior after splitting up with Lim Khim Wah.

Xin Yuan had also been searching for a partner after parting ways with Wong Tien Ci.

“I split up with Khim Wah as he had to deal with some personal issues,” said V Shem.

“I decided to form a partnership with Xin Yuan as there are not many players in the independent team for now.

“Xin Yuan has also not been doing well this year with Tien Ci. I believe that we can be compatible as he is capable of playing at the front court while I’m more comfortable at the back. He is my junior and I want to help him reach a higher level,” added V Shem.

V Shem and Xin Yuan train with the independent team alongside the likes of world No. 12 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi and world No. 46 Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong under coach Rosman Razak.

The duo got off to a promising start by reaching the semi-finals of the lower-ranked Indian Masters in Assam before losing to eventual champions Choong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri.

“It was a good start for us in only our second tournament together,” said V Shem, who made his debut with Xin Yuan in the Syed Modi International in Lucknow.

“Before that, Xin Yuan had not managed to go past the last eight in any of his tournaments this year.

“He needs to regain his confidence and this will only come with winning matches.”

Despite his age, V Shem is focused on his new partnership and is not considering retirement just yet.

“I’m getting older but I feel I can still play in tournaments,” said V Shem.

“As long as I have a sponsor and a partner, I will keep going for now.”