KUCHING: Malaysia’s mixed doubles campaign at the Hong Kong Open got a timely boost as Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Jemie Lai fought back from an early setback to secure a hard-fought first-round victory on Wednesday (Sept 10).
World no. 4 duo, Soon Huat and Shevon, trailed 13-21 in the opening game against Taiwan’s Lin Bing-Wei and Lin Jhih-Yun.
Drawing on experience and strong on-court chemistry, the married pair rallied to claim the next two games 23-21, 21-8, booking their spot in the last 16 and keeping Malaysia’s top hopes alive in the mixed doubles draw.
Meanwhile, Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin, ranked No. 26, also advanced after a composed 21-14, 21-14 win over Ukraine’s Oleksii Titov and Yevheniia Kantemyr.
Though less experienced at this level, their performance ensures Malaysia maintains double representation in the next round and adds depth to the national campaign.
Together, the two pairs will now carry the nation’s flag in the mixed division following the withdrawal of BWF world champions, Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei, from the tournament.
