No mixed emotions
Soon Huat-Shevon clear about big responsibility at Sudirman Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles shuttlers Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie are prepared for the huge responsibility that will be placed upon them at the Sudirman Cup in Nanning, China, from May 19-26.
The world No. 13 pair will lead the mixed doubles department which also includes Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Chen Tang Jie into the world mixed team meet.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group D with 10-time winners China and India.
With India having the likes of world top 10 stars in K. Srikanth (men), P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal (women) in the singles events, the pressure is on the three doubles departments to carry the team.
The world No. 13 must deliver a valuable point against India as the two teams will likely battle it out for a runner-up finish and a place in the quarter-finals.
“There’s still some time before the Sudirman Cup, so we’re not thinking too much about it yet as we don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves,” said Shevon.
“But we’re going as a team – so if we are called upon to play, we’ll be ready.”
Soon Huat-Shevon will likely go head-to-head against India’s top pair in C. Pranaav Jerry-R. N. Sikki who are ranked 23rd in the world.
Only four places behind them are India’s other pair S. Satwiksairaj-P. Ashwini.
“We’re still not sure who India will be playing as they have a few players that they can swap around with – so whoever gets fielded, we’ll prepare for them.”
Since Soon Huat’s return from a hamstring injury, the pair had a decent run at the New Zealand Open last week where they finished in the quarter-finals, falling to Indonesia’s world No. 8 Praveen Jordan-Melati Daeva Oktavianti.
“I think New Zealand wasn’t a good result for us but considering we’ve had to miss a few tournaments, it was a good start for us and we just have to keep the momentum.
“Against Praveen-Melati, I think we put up a better fight this time than when we lost to them the first time.
“I think it’s quite a positive sign for us that we’re moving forward and making progress.
“We’ll continue to work on our weaknesses and maintain our fitness for the Sudirman Cup.”