The Malaysian mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai continued their impressive run at the 2025 French Open Badminton Championships, advancing to the quarter-finals in commanding fashion. Displaying composure, precision, and unity on court, the duo brushed aside their opponents in straight games to keep their title hopes alive.
Their performance was more than just another victory — it was a statement. After months of rebuilding confidence and fine-tuning their chemistry, Soon Huat and Shevon looked like a pair reborn. Their dominance in Paris was the culmination of consistency, trust, and relentless hard work under the national team’s rejuvenated coaching setup.
A Confident Start in Paris
From the very first round, Soon Huat and Shevon played with intent. Their rhythm, body language, and coordination reflected a level of comfort that has not always been evident in recent tournaments. Against the European pair they faced in the Round of 16, the Malaysians wasted no time asserting control.
The opening game was a clinic in tactical execution. Goh’s front-court interceptions and Shevon’s razor-sharp drives forced their opponents into defensive positions from the outset. Their tempo was relentless — mixing flat exchanges with sudden attacking bursts that kept their rivals guessing. Within 22 minutes, the Malaysians sealed the first game 21–12, leaving no doubt about who dictated the pace.
The second game followed a similar script. With the French crowd trying to rally behind the home representatives, Soon Huat and Shevon stayed calm and composed. Every time their opponents tried to change the rhythm, the Malaysians responded with better anticipation and sharper shot selection. A final smash down the middle sealed the match at 21–12, 21–15, sending them confidently into the quarter-finals.
After the win, Soon Huat smiled as he walked off court, raising his racket toward the Malaysian fans in the stands. “It felt great,” he said modestly. “We played freely, we trusted each other, and we stuck to our plan.”
Shevon’s Sharpness and Control
If there was one standout element from the pair’s performance, it was Shevon Jemie Lai’s precision under pressure. The 31-year-old looked sharp at the net, cutting off returns with deft touches while maintaining a calm aura that steadied her partner throughout. Her ability to read the game and adjust positioning gave the duo an upper hand in most exchanges.
In recent months, Shevon has focused on strengthening her anticipation and agility — key aspects that often separate good mixed doubles players from great ones. Her improved net play and decision-making were on full display in Paris.
Speaking after the match, Shevon shared insights into their renewed chemistry:
“We’ve worked really hard on our communication, especially when the match gets tight. Sometimes we used to overthink things, but now we just focus on enjoying the game and trusting each other’s instincts.”
That trust was evident in how they complemented each other’s strengths. When Shevon moved in to control the front court, Soon Huat rotated smoothly to cover the back. Their movements were fluid, a reflection of hours spent refining positioning and understanding during training.
A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
To fully appreciate their success in France, one must understand the path that brought them here. Over the past two years, Soon Huat and Shevon’s partnership has seen its share of highs and lows. Once among Malaysia’s most promising mixed doubles pairs, they endured a rough patch marked by inconsistency, early exits, and confidence struggles.
Their chemistry — once natural — seemed to waver under the pressures of international competition. Some even speculated whether they should part ways to pursue different partners. But instead of giving up, they chose to fight for their partnership.
Under the guidance of Malaysia’s national mixed doubles head coach, Rexy Mainaky, the duo embarked on a journey of rediscovery. They focused on rebuilding fundamentals — from footwork patterns to shot variation — while also reestablishing mental synergy.
“Rexy kept reminding us that chemistry isn’t built overnight,” Soon Huat reflected. “He told us to trust the process and remember why we started playing together. Slowly, we regained that spark.”
The results began to show in recent tournaments. Semifinal appearances in the Indonesian Masters and solid performances in the Japan Open gave them momentum heading into the French Open. Now, in Paris, that belief has translated into results.
The Malaysian Spirit on Display
Badminton is more than a sport in Malaysia — it’s a national identity. Every international victory carries the hopes of millions back home. As such, the pressure on players like Soon Huat and Shevon is immense.
Yet, the pair’s demeanor on court suggested calm resilience rather than anxiety. Their gestures between rallies — quick fist bumps, nods of encouragement — spoke volumes about their teamwork and mutual respect. It was as if they had rediscovered the joy of simply playing the sport they love.
Shevon said it best after the match:
“When we’re smiling and enjoying the game, our badminton flows naturally. That’s when we play our best.”
Fans online echoed similar sentiments. On Malaysian social media, supporters praised their poise, with one comment reading, “This is the Soon Huat-Shevon we’ve been waiting for — focused, fearless, and united.”
Tactical Brilliance Behind the Win
Beyond the emotional aspects, their victory in Paris was also a tactical masterclass. The pair’s game plan centered around three core principles:
- Controlling the pace – They avoided getting drawn into prolonged flat exchanges, instead varying speed and trajectory to disrupt rhythm.
- Dominating mid-court transitions – Their understanding of when to push forward or drop back was impeccable. Goh’s ability to create attacking openings gave Shevon ample opportunities to finish points.
- Minimizing unforced errors – One of their long-time weaknesses has been inconsistency during key rallies. But in this match, their shot selection was measured, with almost no unnecessary risks.
Rexy Mainaky praised their discipline afterward:
“They followed the plan perfectly. It wasn’t about hitting hard; it was about playing smart. That’s what I want to see from them moving forward.”
Indeed, the Malaysian pair looked more methodical than impulsive — a sign of maturity that could serve them well against tougher opposition in the later rounds.
The Quarter-Final Challenge
Their next match promises to be a sterner test. Soon Huat and Shevon are set to face either a top Chinese or Korean pair — both known for their attacking precision and defensive resilience.
However, the Malaysians remain optimistic. “We’ve played against most of the top pairs before, so we know what to expect,” said Goh. “The key is to stay patient, not panic when they attack, and stick to our system.”
Shevon added that maintaining emotional balance will be crucial. “Quarter-finals always bring pressure. But we’ve learned that if we stay calm and play our rhythm, anything is possible.”
Their words reflect experience — not arrogance. Having been on both ends of victory and heartbreak, they now approach each round with humility and confidence in equal measure.
A Broader Message for Malaysian Badminton
The resurgence of Soon Huat and Shevon carries symbolic significance beyond just one pair’s success. Malaysian badminton has long relied on its doubles strength — from legends like Tan Boon Heong-Koo Kien Keat to more recent stars such as Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
In the mixed doubles department, however, Malaysia has been searching for consistency since the retirement of Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying. The rise of Soon Huat and Shevon offers renewed hope that the nation can once again challenge the world’s elite in this category.
Their coach Rexy believes they represent a new chapter for Malaysian mixed doubles.
“They’re experienced, but still hungry. What I like is that they’re learning to adapt — not just playing one style. If they keep improving like this, Malaysia could have a real shot at mixed doubles titles again.”
This sentiment resonates deeply within Malaysia’s badminton community, where fans yearn for another golden pair to carry the national flag with pride.
Behind the Scenes A Duo Built on Trust
Off the court, the chemistry between Goh and Shevon extends beyond their playing partnership. Having known each other for years, their mutual understanding is almost intuitive. They communicate in short phrases, often anticipating what the other will do without needing words.
Their bond is rooted in shared struggle. Both have faced career setbacks — injuries, early defeats, and doubts from critics. Yet, they continue to push forward together.
Shevon once mentioned in an interview, “There were times we felt like giving up. But then we’d remind each other — if we’ve come this far, why stop now? Every setback is just another step forward.”
Such resilience defines their partnership. It’s not just about winning matches but also about overcoming challenges side by side.
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