Still hungry
V Shem-Wee Kiong smash into final to show their appetite for titles
PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttlers Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong have showed they still have the hunger for success.
The world No. 14 and top seeds took just 26 minutes to tear Akira Koga-Taichi Saito of Japan apart 21-12, 21-10 to storm into the men’s doubles final in the Thailand Masters at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.
After the win, V Shem declared they were “desperate” to end their two-year title drought that goes way back to December 2016 – when they won the World Superseries Finals.
V Shem-Wee Kiong reached their previous final at the Malaysian Masters but failed to win it.
The Malaysians face Taiwan’s fifth seeds Lu Ching-yao-Yang Po-han in today’s title clash as they bid to get their independent careers off to a superb start.
“It’s been more than two years now since we last won a title ... yes, we’re desperate to become champions again,” admitted V Shem.
“Now that we’re just one win away from accomplishing it, we want to make it count. We want nothing more than a perfect start as an independent pair.”
V Shem-Wee Kiong, who quit the national team on New Year’s day, have underlined their intention with their fiery form right from the start.
They have yet to drop a game and needed no more than 30 minutes for every win.
“We’ve played really well and were consistent throughout the week. But we can’t take things for granted, especially in the final.
“We need the result this week not only to prove a point, but also to convince sponsors to come on board.”
World No. 26 Ching-yao-Po- han denied an all-Malaysian final after they fended off a spirited challenge from Goh Sze FeiNur Izzuddin Rumsani to prevail 17-21, 21-13, 21-11 in the other last-four match.
It was Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin’s best-ever outing in the World Tour, a result that this up-and-coming pair can build on.
Defending champions and top seeds Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying also checked into the mixed doubles final yesterday when they defeated Hong Kong’s Tang Chun Man-Ng Tsz Yau 21-16, 21-15 to face second seeds Dechapol PuavaranukrohSap sire eT aeratt ana ch ai of Thailand.
Although the Malaysians have not lost in all their three encoun- ters against the world No. 5, Liu Ying prefers to tread with caution.
“It’s been one year since we met the Thais (at the Malaysian Open in April last year), so I don’t think past results will count for anything,” said Liu Ying.
“It will be great to defend the title as we have not done that before. But regardless of the outcome, we’re not getting carried away.”
In the men’s singles, Singapore’s world No. 125 Loh Kean Yew continued his fairytale run when he upset seventh seed Brice Leverdez of France 14-21, 21-10, 21-14 to set up a dream clash with five-time world champion Lin Dan of China.