Okay with us: Shevon Lai Jemie is ready to be separated from her partner Goh Soon Huat and paired with other players in order to win points in the Sudirman Cup.
PETALING JAYA: Scratch pairings are nothing new in team events, and mixed doubles shuttler Shevon Lai Jemie is ready to be separated from her husband, Goh Soon Huat, for the upcoming Sudirman Cup in Xiamen which begins on Sunday.
As such, Shevon is open to partnering any player and is even willing to feature in the women’s doubles if her services are needed to deliver points for the national team.
For her, switching to a new partner not only helps with career development but also offers her a chance to gain fresh and different experiences.
Shevon, however, is leaving it to the coaching team to decide on the best strategy as Malaysia prepare to face Japan, Australia and France in Group C.
“Of course, in any situation, if the team need us to split, we’re definitely okay with it. It’s all about doing what’s best for the team,” said Shevon, when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Back in force: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei in action during training ahead of the Sudirman Cup at the Academy Badminton Malaysia. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
“Actually, it’s a good experience to play with a different partner. We get to learn something new, and it’s quite refreshing.
“Yes, it gives us a fresh perspective and allows us to adapt to different styles of play. Both Soon Huat and I are always trying to become more all-rounded as players.’’
In addition to Soon Huat-Shevon, Malaysia have also included two other mixed doubles pairs, Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin, as well as Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who are now reportedly back on good terms.
For the women’s doubles, Malaysia are fielding Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, as well as Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting.
Two years ago in Suzhou, Shevon-Soon Huat were part of the national squad that won the bronze medal at the 2023 Sudirman Cup.
However, they only played one match, a victory over India in the opening Group C tie against Ashwini Ponnapa-Dhruv Kapilla.
