National mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Shevon Lai Jemie rarely responds to criticism, but this time, she could no longer hold back her feelings.
Known for her cheerful and friendly personality, Shevon was clearly disheartened by remarks from a handful of fans aimed at her and husband Goh Soon Huat after they missed out on a semi-final spot at the Singapore Open, following a defeat to Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran on Friday.
Top seeds at the tournament, Soon Huat-Shevon fell 19-21, 22-20, 21-17, a loss that drew jeers from some fans on social media.
In a post on her personal social media page, Shevon invited those who criticised her to come and train with them, even suggesting they pair up with Soon Huat to see just how challenging it really is.
"If you guys wanna keep condemning me for not having initiative to find the shots, and feel I am letting Soon Huat run the entire court himself on purpose, please speak to @gohsoonhuat, and come train with us, I will let you feel how is it when I look for the shuttle.
"And I am more than happy to let you partner @gohsoonhuat. You take my position and see how it feels," posted Shevon on her social media.
The truth is, Soon Huat suffered an injury during the first set of the match, forcing them to adjust their playing style for the following games.
Adding to their challenges, Soon Huat had only just recovered from leg injury when he returned to action at the Malaysian Masters last week.
Soon Huat-Shevon were champions of the 2018 Singapore Open, where they defeated the top Indonesian pair at the time, Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir.
The world No. 5 pair will have a chance to redeem themselves when they compete at the Indonesian Open next Tuesday.
Ironically, Soon Huat and Shevon will face another Thai pair, Sapsiree Taerattanachai, who was previously partnered with Dechapol.
However, the 2021 world champion is now teamed up with Phuwanat Horbanluekit, and they too are striving to make a breakthrough.
