The frosty air of the Arctic Open is about to sizzle with intensity as Malaysia’s dynamic mixed doubles duo, Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai, prepare to take center stage once again. With their trademark chemistry, determination, and renewed confidence, the pair are eyeing a deep run at this year’s Arctic Open, aiming not only to reclaim their momentum but to silence their old rivals who stand in the way.
After enduring a rollercoaster season marked by highs and lows, Soon Huat and Shevon are determined to show that their bond — both on and off the court — remains unshakable. The Arctic Open presents the perfect battleground: a chance to reset, reignite their rhythm, and “freeze” the ambitions of those eager to dethrone them.
The Calm Before the Storm Preparation in Focus
The Arctic Open, held in the chilly backdrop of Vantaa, Finland, might seem like a cold affair, but for professional shuttlers, it’s an arena brimming with passion and opportunity. For Goh Soon Huat and Shevon, preparation for the tournament has been meticulous and mentally charged.
The duo recently wrapped up intensive training sessions under the guidance of their coaching team at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). Their focus? Sharpening consistency and rekindling synergy. In doubles, especially mixed doubles, unity is everything. Every glance, every movement, and every strategic decision can tip the balance between victory and defeat.
“We know the Arctic Open won’t be easy,” Shevon admitted during a brief interview before departing for Europe. “The field is competitive, but we’re coming in with clear objectives and a strong mindset. We want to play our best badminton — that’s what matters most.”
Her partner, Goh Soon Huat, echoed the sentiment with quiet determination.
“We’ve been working on minimizing errors and improving our transitions between attack and defense. We want to play with more control and confidence.”
Their preparation has included not just tactical drills but also mental conditioning. Over the past few months, the duo have been working with sports psychologists to strengthen focus and composure during high-pressure moments — an area that has occasionally cost them in past tournaments.
Lessons from a Challenging Season
The year hasn’t been entirely smooth for Soon Huat and Shevon. Early exits in key tournaments, coupled with fluctuating form, tested their resilience as one of Malaysia’s most experienced pairs. At times, critics questioned whether the partnership could still compete with the newer, faster, and more aggressive mixed doubles pairs emerging from China, Japan, and South Korea. But those who know the pair well understand that adversity often brings out their best. Their run at the Malaysia Masters earlier this season was a reminder of their potential — a gutsy performance that saw them outplay several top pairs before narrowly falling short in the semifinals. It was a glimpse of the duo’s ability to blend precision, power, and patience in equal measure.
“We’ve had to rebuild confidence,” Soon Huat admitted. “Badminton is about rhythm. Once you lose it, you must start again from zero. But every setback teaches you something — and we’ve learned plenty this season.”
Shevon added that their setbacks have actually strengthened their connection.
“We’ve gone through frustration, disappointment, and even doubt. But through all of it, we’ve grown closer. That’s what keeps us moving.”
For the pair, the Arctic Open isn’t just another tournament — it’s a chance to show how far they’ve come after months of recalibration.
The Arctic Arena A Battle of Strategy and Endurance
The Arctic Open may not have the same prestige as the All England or World Championships, but make no mistake — it’s one of the most tactically demanding tournaments on the European circuit. The slower hall conditions and colder air require adaptability, patience, and control.
For players like Soon Huat and Shevon, who rely heavily on sharp net play and midcourt exchanges, these conditions can either be an obstacle or an advantage. The key lies in adjusting shuttle control and shot tempo — something their coach has been emphasizing in recent training sessions.
“Controlling the shuttle is everything in these conditions,” explained a BAM technical analyst. “If you overhit, you lose accuracy. If you play too soft, your opponent attacks. The pair that can read the drift and maintain consistency usually wins.”
Historically, Malaysian pairs have performed well in Europe, where their fast-paced yet tactical style often catches opponents off guard. For Soon Huat and Shevon, the Arctic Open represents a perfect testing ground to reassert their prowess and earn vital ranking points ahead of next season’s World Tour push.
Old Foes Await The Rivalries Renewed
Every great player or pair has rivals who push them to their limits. For Soon Huat and Shevon, that list includes familiar names — Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue from France, Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje from Denmark, and the ever-dangerous Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing, their fellow Malaysians turned competitors.
The Arctic Open draw has placed several of these rivals within striking distance, setting up potential early clashes. But rather than fear the challenge, Soon Huat and Shevon are embracing it.
“We’ve played these pairs before, and every match is a new story,” Shevon said. “They know our strengths, and we know theirs. It’s about who adapts faster on the day.”
Their rivalry with the Danish pair Christiansen–Bøje, in particular, has been intense. The last three meetings between them ended with razor-thin margins, showcasing how evenly matched the pairs are in both skill and strategy. In contrast, their encounters with Gicquel–Delrue have often tested their patience, as the French duo thrive on long rallies and defensive play.
This time, however, Soon Huat and Shevon are aiming to dictate the tempo rather than react to it.
“We’ve been too cautious in some matches before,” Soon Huat said. “Now we want to take control early — use our attacks, set up the rallies, and finish decisively.”
The message is clear: they’re not just participating — they’re hunting.
The Chemistry That Defines Them
One cannot discuss Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai without mentioning their chemistry. Beyond the court, the two share a long-standing personal relationship that has often drawn media attention. But what makes them special isn’t romance — it’s understanding.
They move with an instinctive synchronicity that few pairs can replicate. Whether it’s a quick glance after a point or a silent nod before a serve, the duo communicate effortlessly.
Their connection also manifests in their complementary playing styles. Soon Huat’s solid defense and strong smashes blend seamlessly with Shevon’s delicate net play and creative shot-making. Together, they can transition from defense to offense in an instant — a signature of their best performances.
Former Malaysian coach Rexy Mainaky once described them as “a pair that feels the game rather than just plays it.” That emotional intelligence has often been their biggest weapon, allowing them to read opponents and adjust strategies intuitively.
Still, maintaining chemistry under pressure isn’t always easy. The intensity of competition, travel fatigue, and high expectations can test even the strongest partnerships. Yet, as Shevon put it:
“We argue, we disagree, but at the end of the day, we trust each other completely. That’s what keeps us going.”
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