SBOTOP: Soon Huat and Shevon Begin Denmark Open Campaign with Confident Victory

The Malaysian mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai started their Denmark Open 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a convincing win in their opening match that showcased both their growing chemistry and technical sharpness. The victory marked an encouraging start to their European tour and reaffirmed their intent to return to the elite ranks of world badminton.

The Denmark Open, one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments on the BWF World Tour, is being held this year in Odense, Denmark — a city that has long witnessed some of the sport’s greatest battles. For Soon Huat and Shevon, this event is more than just another tournament. It’s a stage to prove that Malaysia’s mixed doubles still has the flair, tenacity, and ambition to challenge the best.

Dominant Opening Performance

In their first-round match, Soon Huat and Shevon faced the German duo Jones Ralfy Jansen and Linda Efler, a pair known for their disciplined defensive play and unpredictable counterattacks. From the very first rally, however, it was clear that the Malaysians meant business. With lightning-quick exchanges and powerful smashes from Soon Huat complemented by Shevon’s delicate net control, the match quickly tilted in their favor.

The opening game ended 21–13, as the Malaysians controlled the tempo and forced the Germans into errors. In the second, Jansen and Efler attempted a comeback, changing tactics to slow the rallies and disrupt Malaysia’s rhythm. But the Malaysians adapted seamlessly. With sharp mid-court interceptions and effective rotation, they sealed the second game 21–17, closing the match in just 38 minutes.

When the final shuttle hit the floor, both players raised their rackets with quiet satisfaction. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement of intent.

“We wanted to start strong,” said Shevon during the post-match interview. “Our goal was to set the tone early in the tournament. We’ve worked on consistency and communication, and today, it really showed.”

Chemistry That Keeps Growing

The partnership between Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai has always been built on chemistry — both on and off the court. They’ve been teammates, training partners, and even life partners for several years, and that familiarity is evident in their synchronized movements and mutual trust during high-pressure rallies.

Their journey as a pair began in 2016 when the Malaysian national team’s coaches decided to experiment with a new mixed doubles combination. The chemistry clicked almost immediately. Within a year, they were winning titles and breaking into the world’s top 10. But the road hasn’t been smooth since.

Injuries, form fluctuations, and pandemic disruptions took their toll. Yet through all that, the duo never stopped believing in their partnership.

“We’ve gone through ups and downs, but what keeps us going is our understanding of each other,” said Soon Huat. “Badminton is a partnership sport — if one side falters, the other has to lift them up. That’s what Shevon and I always try to do.”

Their resilience has made them one of Malaysia’s most enduring and admired pairs, a shining example of perseverance in a sport where partnerships often dissolve after setbacks.

A Revival in the Making

This season, Soon Huat and Shevon have shown glimpses of their best form again. At the Asian Championships earlier this year, they pushed some of the world’s top seeds to the limit, including Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, the Chinese pair ranked No. 1 in the world. While they fell short in that encounter, their performance signaled that they were once again capable of challenging the sport’s elite.

Their preparations for the European leg have been meticulous. Under the guidance of Rexy Mainaky, Malaysia’s Deputy Performance Director, they’ve worked on physical conditioning, reaction speed, and strategic adaptability. One key focus has been on minimizing unforced errors — something that has occasionally haunted them in tight matches.

“We’ve emphasized playing with clarity and composure,” Rexy explained. “Soon Huat and Shevon have the skills. What they need now is to maintain consistency across long rallies and long tournaments. Today’s win is a good reflection of their progress.”

Indeed, their performance in Odense was a display of maturity and tactical intelligence. Rather than relying purely on attack, they mixed up the pace, used clever angles, and forced their opponents into awkward positions. It was a reminder that experience, when paired with discipline, can outmatch even youthful aggression.

Learning from the Past

For Soon Huat and Shevon, the Denmark Open carries emotional weight. It was at this very tournament in 2018 that they made a memorable run to the quarterfinals, defeating several higher-ranked pairs along the way. That campaign remains one of their fondest memories, but it also serves as motivation.

“We remember that feeling — playing our hearts out, surprising everyone,” Shevon said. “We want to relive that, but do it even better this time.”

Since then, their journey has seen its fair share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic halted their momentum, and travel restrictions limited their exposure to top-tier competition. When the tour resumed, it took time for them to regain rhythm and fitness. Critics questioned whether they could still compete at the highest level.

Yet, rather than being discouraged, they used those years to rebuild. They improved their physical endurance, refined their communication, and focused on enjoying the game again. The result? A more mature, balanced partnership that now seems better equipped for the pressures of world-class badminton.

The Malaysian Spirit in Europe

Malaysia has always had a special relationship with the Denmark Open. For decades, Danish crowds have embraced Malaysian players, admiring their attacking flair and sportsmanship. From Lee Chong Wei’s iconic victories to the emergence of new talents, Malaysian shuttlers have often found inspiration on Danish soil.

This year, the Malaysian contingent includes rising stars like Ng Tze Yong, Pearly Tan–Thinaah Muralitharan, and Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, all eager to make an impact. Yet, for many fans, the seasoned duo of Soon Huat and Shevon remains a sentimental favorite — a pair who’ve earned admiration through grit and perseverance.

Their opening win drew enthusiastic cheers from the small but passionate group of Malaysian supporters who made the trip to Odense. The sight of the Malaysian flag waving in the stands after their victory served as a poignant reminder of how sport transcends borders.

“Hearing the fans chant ‘Malaysia Boleh’ so far from home gives us energy,” said Soon Huat with a smile. “It reminds us that we’re not just playing for ourselves, but for everyone back home.”