PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai (pic) Jemie are comfortable embracing their underdog status as they head into the World Tour Finals as the only pair without a title to their name this season.
Of the eight pairs competing in Hangzhou from today, Soon Huat-Shevon are the only ones who have yet to finish on the podium this year. Still, the lack of silverware is not something that worries them.
Shevon acknowledged that the challenge ahead will be stiff, with only the top eight pairs earning a spot at the season ending tournament. The task is made tougher as most of their rivals, particularly in Group B, are younger and more explosive.
However, the experienced duo believe they can rely on their vast experience to navigate the demanding group.
Soon Huat-Shevon will face fellow Malaysians Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatulla-Felisha Pasaribu, as well as home favourites Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping.
“Definitely we are the underdogs because we have to be honest that our age is catching up with us,” said Shevon.
“With so many tournaments throughout the season, it is not easy to stay at the highest level and deliver top performances every week.
‘‘Our biggest challenge now is how to maintain our level, push ourselves and keep up with the younger pairs.
“Looking at the line-up in Hangzhou, almost all the pairs are younger. They are strong, fast and full of fighting spirit. We are probably the oldest pair in the field, so it will be very challenging, but we will try to make full use of our experience and give our best in Hangzhou.”
Their opening Group B clash against Tang Jie-Ee Wei today is also a repeat of last year’s World Tour Finals semi-final.
Although Tang Jie-Ee Wei have just completed national duty at the Bangkok SEA Games, Shevon does not expect their fellow Malaysians to take the match lightly, especially with lucrative prize money at stake at the tournament.
Only the top two pairs from each group will advance to the semi finals.
“Because we all know the World Tour Finals offer a lot in prize money, I think pairs will definitely be aiming not just for the prize money but also the title.
“I don’t think any pair will go there with a relaxed mindset just to enjoy the tournament. Everyone will be pushing for a strong result because it remains one of the major tournaments, and you fight hard throughout the year to qualify for it,” she added.
